Safety Considerations in Parasomnias and Sleep-Related Movement Disorders: Evidence, Practice, and Research Priorities

Parasomnias and sleep-related movement disorders represent a diverse group of conditions that can have significant implications for patient safety and clinical management. These disorders are characterized by complex and variable presentations, often involving disturbances in sleep architecture, motor control, and behavioral regulation. The inherent unpredictability and multifactorial nature of these conditions create challenges for clinicians, caregivers, and healthcare systems in assessing risk, implementing preventive strategies, and optimizing therapeutic outcomes. Safety considerations extend beyond immediate physical harm, encompassing the broader impact on overall health, functional capacity, quality of life, and the coordination of care across medical and allied health disciplines. The prevalence, chronicity, and potential for comorbidities further underscore the need for systematic evaluation, evidence-based management, and ongoing monitoring in affected populations.This collection seeks to provide a comprehensive, evidence-based examination of safety in parasomnias and sleep-related movement disorders, integrating current knowledge, clinical best practices, and emerging research priorities. Contributions will focus on strategies to identify and mitigate risk, including:- environmental modifications,- patient and caregiver education,- individualized pharmacologic and behavioral interventions,- systematic monitoring for adverse events.The series will also address the unique challenges faced by vulnerable populations, such as older adults, patients with neurodegenerative disease, and individuals with psychiatric comorbidities, where safety risks are often amplified.A central objective of this collection is to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice. By synthesizing the latest evidence on incidence, risk factors, and preventive strategies, the series will provide clinicians with actionable guidance to reduce harm and optimize therapeutic outcomes. Concurrently, it will highlight gaps in knowledge, identifying high-priority areas for future research, including clinical trials, observational studies, and quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing patient safety.Recognizing that optimal management frequently requires a multidisciplinary approach, this collection emphasizes collaboration among sleep medicine specialists, neurologists, psychiatrists, primary care providers, and allied health professionals. Effective management relies not only on individual expertise but also on coordinated communication across disciplines to ensure that assessment, treatment planning, and follow-up are aligned with patient needs and safety priorities. By integrating insights from multiple perspectives, the series will promote a structured framework for comprehensive risk assessment, proactive intervention, and ongoing monitoring. This collaborative approach facilitates the translation of emerging research into practice, supports individualized care plans, and enhances the ability of clinicians and caregivers to anticipate, prevent, and respond to potential safety concerns in patients with parasomnias and sleep-related movement disorders. Topic editors: Likhita Shaik, Safia Khan Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/79899/safety-considerations-in-parasomnias-and-sleep-related-movement-disorders-evidence-practice-and-research-priorities