Sleepwalking is characterized by the behavior (walking) during sleep. Occasionally, the person may talk, but it does not make sense. The person’s eyes are commonly open, but have a characteristic glassy “look right through you” character.
One common misconception is that a person sleepwalking should not be awakened. It is not dangerous to awaken a sleepwalker, although it is common for the person to be confused or disoriented for a short time when awake. Another misconception is that a person cannot be injured while sleepwalking. Injuries caused by sleepwalking, for example, tripping and loss of balance, are common.
Sleepwalking
What causes sleepwalking?
Sleepwalking seems to be associated with inherited (genetic), environmental, physiologic, and medical factors.
Genetic factors
One study documented that sleepwalking is ten times more likely to occur if a first-degree relative has a history of sleepwalking.
Environmental factors
Sleep deprivation, chaotic sleep schedules, fever, stress, magnesium deficiency, and alcohol intoxication can trigger sleepwalking. Drugs, for example, sedative/hypnotics (drugs that promote sleep), neuroleptics (drugs used to treat psychosis), minor tranquilizers (drugs that produce a calming effect), stimulants (drugs that increase activity), and antihistamines (drugs used to treat symptoms of allergies) associated with an increased likelihood of sleepwalking.
Physiologic factors
Physiologic factors that may contribute to sleepwalking include:
The length and depth of slow wave sleep (states III and IV of non-REM sleep). These stages are more commonly seen in younger children and thus may explain the age differences in the frequency of sleepwalking.
Conditions such as pregnancy and menstruation are known to increase the frequency of sleepwalking.
Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms)
Fever
Gastroesophageal reflux (acid reflux – food or liquid regurgitating from the stomach into the food pipe)
How do you stop sleepwalking?
A person who has a sleepwalking disorder can take the following measures:
1. get adequate sleep
2. meditate or do relaxation exercises
3. avoid any kind of stimuli (auditory or visual) prior to bedtime
4. keep a safe sleeping environment, free of harmful or sharp objects
5. sleep in a bedroom on the ground floor if possible to prevent falls and avoid bunk beds
6. lock the doors and windows
7. remove obstacles in the room, tripping over toys or objects is a potential hazard
8. cover glass windows with heavy drapes
9. place an alarm or bell on the bedroom door and if necessary on any windows