Sleepwalking is a type of sleep disorder. A person who is sleepwalking may walk around or do other complex behaviors while still technically asleep. It may be as simple as sitting up in bed or as complex as leaving the house and going for a drive.
It is not clear exactly what causes sleepwalking. Some people are more susceptible to sleepwalking. The sleepwalking may be triggered by:
StressSleep deprivationIllnesses with feverCertain medications (eg, antidepressants, tranquilizers, anticonvulsants, antihistamines)
Medical illness (such as,
migraine
,
asthma
,
arrhythmia
,
heartburn
,
sleep apnea
)
Having a psychiatric disorders (eg,
panic attack
,
post-traumatic stress syndrome
)
Hyperthyroidism
Factors that may increase your risk of sleepwalking include:
Family history of sleepwalkingBeing a child (most common in preschool to preadolescence)Problems that may disrupt sleep such as bed wetting or sleep apnea
Along with walking during sleep, other symptoms can include:
Sitting up in bed and repeating certain movements (eg, rubbing eyes, fumbling with clothes)Talking in your sleepDifficulty arousing during a sleepwalking episodeDoing inappropriate behavior during a sleepwalking episode (eg, urinating in closets)Becoming violent when a person tries to wake youNot remembering the event
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. You will be asked about your:
Family historyFatigueMedicationUnderlying illness or stress
Your doctor may refer you to a sleep specialist. You may need to have a
sleep study
done in a medical clinic.
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include:
Your doctor will help you prevent injury during sleepwalking by recommending that you:
Remove dangerous objects from your roomKeep doors and windows closed and locked
Some cases of sleepwalking can be treated with
hypnosis
.
Your doctor will ask you to keep track of what time of night the sleepwalking tends to occur. You then schedule a wake up just before the sleepwalking tends to occur. This may help stop the sleepwalking.
These medications may be helpful in reducing the incidence of sleepwalking:
Sedative-hypnoticsAntidepressants
To help reduce the chances of sleepwalking, take the following steps:
Increase the amount of time scheduled for sleep.Avoid alcohol and certain medications that may trigger sleepwalking.Have a regular bedtime routine.Last reviewed October 2012 by Brian Randall, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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