Nocturnal paroxysmal dystonia is characterized by which of the following?

Nocturnal paroxysmal dystonia is characterized by sudden, random, and often violent movements that occur during NREM (Non-Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. This condition typically manifests as abnormal limb movements or posturing, which can lead to disruptions in sleep and may cause the person to awaken briefly. The movements are usually involuntary and can be mistaken for seizures.

The other options do not accurately describe nocturnal paroxysmal dystonia. While repeated awakenings can be a result of the violent movements, they are not a defining characteristic of the condition. Sleepwalking involves complex behaviors initiated during sleep but doesn't necessarily include the random, violent movements seen in nocturnal paroxysmal dystonia. Chronic insomnia refers to difficulty in falling or staying asleep, which is a different disorder and does not capture the specific movement abnormalities associated with nocturnal paroxysmal dystonia.