Adult NREM parasomnia and its health, social, and economic associations: a national matched-control study

Study Objectives This study investigates the association between non-rapid eye movement parasomnias (NREMp) and health and socioeconomic outcomes in adults. Methods We estimated health and socioeconomic consequences of NREMp in the 7 and 4 years preceding diagnosis, respectively, and 2 years following diagnosis. The retrospective cohort included 159 Danish adults diagnosed with NREMp after age 18 years compared with 636 controls (matched for age, gender, marital status, and residential municipality at index year). Diagnoses, healthcare costs, and socioeconomic data were obtained from Danish nationwide health and administrative registers. Results Patients with NREMp had significantly more healthcare contacts and higher prevalence of comorbidity across several major disease groups: certain infectious and parasitic diseases; mental and behavioral disorders; diseases of the nervous system; diseases of the eye and adnexa; diseases of the digestive system; diseases of the respiratory system; diseases of the genitourinary system; and symptoms, signs, and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, injury, poisoning, and external causes. Their healthcare costs were also higher than those of the matched controls. However, no significant differences in mortality were observed during the 2-year post-diagnosis follow-up. In addition, educational attainment and employment rates were comparable with the matched-control population. Conclusion Adults diagnosed with NREMp showed increased comorbidity and healthcare utilization in the years preceding diagnosis compared to matched controls, without corresponding differences in education or employment. Statement of Significance This study provides novel insight into the health, social, and economic patterns in the 7 years preceding and 2 years following a diagnosis of non-rapid eye movement parasomnias (NREMp). The findings indicate that individuals later diagnosed with NREMp had a significantly higher prevalence of comorbidities across a broad range of disease categories, while no substantial differences were observed in mortality rates, education, employment, or income compared to controls. These results contribute to a better understanding of NREMp while the condition is linked to increased healthcare utilization and comorbid disease burden, it may not be associated with adverse outcomes in educational attainment or employment.