Dr. Monique H.M. Vlak, MD
Dr. Monique H.M. Vlak, MD Monique Vlak is a neurologist and sleep specialist at Slotervaart Hospital and Amsterdam Centre for Wake and Sleep Disorders. Dr. Vlak has specialized in sleep apnea and parasomnia. Prior to working in Amsterdam Dr. Vlak specialized in neurology in the UMC Utrecht, where she obtained her PhD in 2006. Besides sleep Dr. Vlak also specialized in stroke. The topic of her PhD research was: risk factors for subarachnoid haemorrhage.
Parasomnia uitklapper, klik om te openen
The term “parasomnia” refers to all the abnormal things that occur while falling asleep or at any point in the sleep cycle. They affect approximately 10% of the population, mainly children. Parasomnias may be triggered by other sleep disorders and medication, such as antidepressants.
Most parasomnias occur during non-REM sleep or at sleep-wake transition. Non-REM parasomnias often run in families and so there is probably a genetic factor in many cases. REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) usually occurs in men over 50 years of age and is highly associated with neurologic disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia.
Parasomnias often improve with good sleep habits, including keeping a regular sleep schedule, managing stress, and getting enough sleep. There are also drug therapies that are used to control symptoms. Video-polysomnography is essential to differentiate between REM and non-REM parasomnias and to make a correct diagnosis.