Insomnia

Sleepwalking, also known as somnambulism, is a sleep disorder that affects many people around the world. It is a type of parasomnia, which means that it is a sleep disorder that involves abnormal behaviors during sleep. Sleepwalking is characterized by episodes of getting out of bed and walking around while still asleep. These episodes can be brief or prolonged, and they can range in severity from mild to severe. In this article, we will discuss what sleepwalking is, its causes, symptoms, and treatments.

GET YOUR TREATEMENT IF YOU ARE FACING INADEQUATE SLEEP.

What is sleepwalking?

Sleepwalking is a type of parasomnia that occurs during deep sleep. During deep sleep, the body is relaxed, and the brain is less active than it is during waking hours. In some people, this state of relaxation can cause them to get out of bed and walk around while still asleep. Sleepwalking can occur in both children and adults, but it is more common in children.

Causes of sleepwalking

The exact causes of sleepwalking are not fully understood. However, research has shown that sleepwalking is more common in people who have a family history of the disorder. Additionally, sleepwalking has been linked to certain medical conditions, such as epilepsy and migraines. Some medications, such as sedatives, have also been known to cause sleepwalking.

Symptoms of sleepwalking

Sleepwalking is characterized by episodes of getting out of bed and walking around while still asleep. During these episodes, the person may appear to be awake, but they are not fully conscious. They may have their eyes open, but they will not be responsive to their surroundings. Additionally, sleepwalkers may engage in other activities, such as talking, eating, or even driving, while still asleep.

Diagnosis of sleepwalking

If you suspect that you or a loved one may be sleepwalking, it is important to see a doctor. Your doctor will likely ask you about your symptoms and may refer you to a sleep specialist for further evaluation. A sleep specialist may conduct a sleep study to monitor your sleep patterns and determine if you have sleepwalking episodes.

Treatment of sleepwalking

The first step in treating sleepwalking is to identify any underlying causes or triggers. For example, sleepwalking can be caused by sleep deprivation, anxiety, stress, alcohol or drug use, certain medications, and medical conditions such as restless leg syndrome or sleep apnea. If an underlying cause is identified, treating that cause can often resolve the sleepwalking.

If there are no underlying causes or triggers, or if the sleepwalking persists despite treatment of those causes, there are a number of other treatment options available. These include:

Making lifestyle changes - Lifestyle changes can help reduce the frequency and severity of sleepwalking. This includes maintaining a regular sleep schedule, getting enough sleep, avoiding alcohol and caffeine before bedtime, and reducing stress and anxiety.

Medications - In some cases, medications may be used to treat sleepwalking. For example, benzodiazepines such as clonazepam and diazepam can help reduce the frequency and severity of sleepwalking episodes. These medications work by reducing the amount of slow-wave sleep, which is when sleepwalking typically occurs. However, they can be habit-forming and have other potential side effects, so they should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy - Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that can help people with sleepwalking identify and change the thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their sleepwalking. CBT can also help reduce anxiety and stress, which are common triggers for sleepwalking.

Hypnosis - Hypnosis is a technique that can be used to help people with sleepwalking change their thoughts and behaviors while they are asleep. Hypnosis can help people relax and reduce anxiety, which can reduce the frequency and severity of sleepwalking episodes.

Sleepwalking alarms - Sleepwalking alarms are devices that can be placed on a person's wrist or ankle that sound an alarm when the person gets out of bed. This can alert the person or their caregiver to the fact that they are sleepwalking, which can help them return to bed before they become injured or engage in other dangerous behaviors.

Environmental modifications - Making changes to the sleeping environment can also help reduce the risk of injury or other negative outcomes associated with sleepwalking. For example, placing a gate at the top of stairs or removing any sharp or dangerous objects from the bedroom can help prevent injuries.