Sleepwalking

Sleepwalking is a disorder that is characterized by just that, walking while asleep. The degree of sleepwalking can vary greatly from getting up and walking around the room or getting into a car and driving. Sleepwalking usually happens during the non rapid eye movement (NREM) stage of sleep. People who are sleepwalkers usually have their eyes in a wide-open stare while they are in this state.

Episodes of sleepwalking can occur during any stage of NREM sleep and at any time during the night although it does not usually happen during naps. The person is not able to respond during the event and does not usually remember what happened. The episode may also include incoherent talking.

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Sleepwalking most often occurs during childhood and adolescence, peaking between 11 and 12-years-old although it often lasts until adulthood. Sleepwalking also tends to run in families.

There are many causes to sleepwalking. Genetic factors are a large contributor to the condition and are more likely to appear in identical twins. Sleep deprivation, chaotic sleep schedules, fever, stress, magnesium deficiency, and alcohol intoxication can all cause sleepwalking. Medications such as mild tranquilizers, stimulants, and antihistamines also contribute to sleepwalking.

Psychological factors can also contribute to sleepwalking. The length and depth of slow wave sleep is a cause of sleepwalking. These waves are more commonly seen in young children, which is why the disorder is more commonly seen in them.

Other factors such as pregnancy and menstruation can also increase the frequency of sleepwalking. Some medical conditions that also increase the likelihood of sleepwalking include arrhythmias, fever, night time asthma, gastroesophageal reflux, night time seizures, obstructive sleep apnea, and psychiatric disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder.

The symptoms of sleepwalking include:

• Episodes ranging from quiet wandering or agitated running.
  
• The eyes are usually open in a wide-eyed, glassy stare.
  
• If questioned, response are slow or absent. If the person goes back to bed without waking up, they will usually not remember the episode.
  
• Older children who may waken more easily at the end of the episode, may be embarrassed.

In most cases, sleepwalking will go away on its own and does not require treatment. However, a sleep specialist may need to be consulted if the person is having frequent episodes or is injuring themselves or others.

When treatment is needed for sleepwalking, there are some things that can be done. These include getting adequate sleep, meditating or doing relaxation exercises, avoiding any kind of stimuli before bedtime, keeping a safe sleeping environment so the individual is less likely to hurt themselves, sleeping in a bedroom on the ground floor if possible, locking the doors and windows, covering glass windows with heavy drapes, and placing a bell or alarm on the door.