Sleepwalking, also known as somnambulism, is a disorder where individuals get up while they are sleeping and walk around. It is very common in children and usually fades during teen years. However, there are occasional cases that start in adult years, or persist into adult years. If there are rare cases of sleepwalking, then those are generally of little concern, however, if there are common causes of sleepwalking then that may need to be addressed. Continue reading for more information on sleepwalking and how to address it.   

What are the symptoms of sleepwalking?  

Sleepwalking symptoms are very similar to what is portrayed on TV and in the movies. It takes place mostly early in the night, a couple hours after one has fallen asleep, rarely occurring during naps. Sleepwalking normally last a few minutes, but could last longer. Common symptoms of sleepwalking include: 

• getting out of bed and walking around 
• sitting up with open eyes 
• glazed, glassy-eyed expression 
• unresponsive and non-communicative with others 
• difficult to awaken 
• sleep terrors in addition to sleepwalking 
• problems functioning during the day because of disturbed sleep

A person who is sleeping may due routine activities like getting dressed, talking or eating. They may even leave the house, drive a car, engage in unusual behavior or sexual activities, and injure themselves. 

When should a sleepwalker see the doctor? 

As mentioned before, when sleepwalking cases are rare, it normally isn't a cause for concern. However, it may be time to see a doctor if they occur often, lead to dangerous behavior or injury, cause significant sleep disruption to everyone else, results in excess daytime sleepiness, starts for the first time as an adult or continues into teen years. 

What causes sleepwalking? 

Sleepwalking is considered a parasomnia, which is an undesirable behavior happening during sleep. This is a disorder or arousal because it happens during stage 3 sleep, which is the deepest sleep. Usually during stage 3 sleep, people are paralyzed and extremely difficult to awaken. 

There are a few factors that can contribute to sleepwalking like sleep deprivation, stress fever, and sleep schedule disruptions. There are underlying conditions that can also trigger sleepwalking like breathing issues (i.e. sleep apnea), medications like hypnotics or sedatives, substance use, restless legs syndrome, and GERD.

What are some risk factors for sleep walking? 

There are some factors that may increase the risk of sleepwalking like genetics and age. Sleepwalking runs in families, so if there is one parent with a history of sleepwalking, that trait may get past down. Also, sleepwalking is more common and children and adult onset is most likely linked to other underlying conditions. 

How is sleepwalking diagnosed? 

Diagnosis for sleepwalking is fairly straightforward. Doctors will review the medical history and symptoms. There may be then be an evaluation like a physical exam, discussion of symptoms, and nocturnal sleep study (polysomnography).  

Can sleepwalking be treated? 

Treatment for occasional sleepwalking isn't necessary. Children who sleepwalk, it normally goes away in the teen years. However, if it's often recurrent or persists into adulthood, then there are some treatment options that need to be considered. 

Treating the underlying condition may really help with sleepwalking if it's associated with sleep deprivation or an underlying sleep disorder or medical condition. Also adjusting medication may be necessary if sleepwalking is caused by a drug. Anticipatory awakenings are another option which is when the person is awoken about 15-20 minutes before they normally start to sleep walk, and then have to stay awake a few minutes before falling asleep again. Therapy and self-hypnosis are some mental treatment options to help put them in a deep enough state of relaxation that they can sleep. 

Are there any home remedies? 

There are a few home remedies for households with a sleepwalker like a safe environment, and gently leading the sleep walking person to bed without waking them. There are also some coping skills sleepwalkers can use like getting adequate sleep, practicing good sleep, de-stressing before bed, and avoiding alcohol. 

If you're having trouble with sleepwalking or any other sleep disorders, click below to take the free online sleep test! 

[Sources:]

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sleepwalking/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353511