Sleepwalking is a type of sleep disorder known as a parasomnia. This happens when a person partially awakens during the night, walks, or does other complex behaviors while still technically asleep.
Some causes of sleepwalking include:
These factors increase your chance of walking in your sleep. Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors:
If you experience any of these symptoms, do not assume they are due to sleepwalking. These symptoms may be caused by other conditions. If you experience any one of them, see your doctor:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. She will also do a physical exam. You will be asked about your:
Your doctor may refer you to a sleep specialist. You may need to have a sleep study done.
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:
Some cases of sleepwalking can be treated with hypnosis .
These medications may be helpful in reducing the incidence of sleepwalking:
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Family Physicians
http://www.familydoctor.org/
National Sleep Foundation
http://www.sleepfoundation.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
About Kids Health
http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/
Better Sleep Council Canada
http://www.bettersleep.ca/
References:
Guilleminault C, Kirisoglu C, Bao, G, et al. Adult chronic sleepwalking and its treatment based on polysomnography. Brain . 2005; 128:1062-1069.
Guilleminault C, Palombini L, Pelayo R, Chervin RD. Sleepwalking and sleep terrors in prepubertal children: what triggers them?. Pediatrics . 2003;111:17-25.
Hafeez ZH, Kalinowski CM. Somnambulism induced by quitapine: two case reports and a review of the literature. CNS Spectrums. 2007;12:910-912.
Pressman MR. Factors that predispose, prime and precipitate NREM parasomnias in adults: clinical and forensic implications. Sleep Med Rev . 2007:11:5-30
Sleepwalking. National Sleep Foundation website. Available at: http://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleeptionary/index.php?id=22&subsection=basics. Accessed September 26, 2006.
Sleepwalking in children. American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: http://familydoctor.org/160.xml . Accessed September 26, 2006.
Somnambulism (sleepwalking). eMedicine website. Available at: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1188854-overview. Accessed January 3, 2006.
Last reviewed January 2009 by Rimas Lukas, 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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