What factor is associated with the abnormal behavior during sleep known as parasomnia?

The factor associated with abnormal behavior during sleep, referred to as parasomnia, is primarily linked to physiological changes. Parasomnias encompass a variety of sleep disorders that manifest through abnormal movements, behaviors, or experiences during sleep or transitions between sleep and wakefulness. These can include sleepwalking, night terrors, and REM sleep behavior disorder.

Physiological changes during different stages of sleep play a significant role in these phenomena. For example, sleep stages such as REM and non-REM sleep have distinct neurological and muscular characteristics that can influence the expression of parasomnia. Disruptions or abnormalities in these physiological processes can lead to the manifestations characteristic of parasomnia.

While hormonal changes and genetic predisposition can contribute to the overall sleep health of an individual, the direct association of parasomnias is more rooted in the physiological aspects of sleep architecture and how the brain and body behave during specific sleep stages. Cognitive dissonance, on the other hand, is a psychological concept relating to conflicting beliefs or attitudes and does not directly relate to sleep behaviors or disturbances. Thus, physiological changes are the primary factor linked to abnormal behaviors during sleep.