Repeated episodes of rising from bed and walking about during sleep; while sleepwalking, the individual has a blank stare and can be awakened only with great difficulty. On awakening, the individual has amnesia for the episode.
Symptoms of Sleepwalking
The following features are indicative of Sleepwalking:
opening eyes during sleep
walking during sleep
glassy-eyed expression
excessive daytime sleepiness
fatigue
sitting up and appearing awake during sleep
acting confused or disoriented when the person wakes up
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Common Causes of Sleepwalking
The following are the most common causes of Sleepwalking:
sleep deprivation
stress
fever
sleep schedule disruptions
restless legs syndrome
gastroesophageal reflux disease
excessive intake of alcohol
Risk Factors for Sleepwalking
The following factors may increase the likelihood of Sleepwalking:
children age
family history of sleepwalking
Prevention of Sleepwalking
Yes, it may be possible to prevent Sleepwalking. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
do not use alcohol
do not use antidepressant medicines
avoid or minimize stress, anxiety, and conflict
Occurrence of Sleepwalking
Number of Cases
The following are the number of Sleepwalking cases seen each year worldwide:
Very common > 10 Million cases
Common Age Group
Sleepwalking can occur at any age.
Common Gender
Sleepwalking can occur in any gender.
Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Sleepwalking
The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Sleepwalking:
Physical examination: To identify any conditions that may be confused with sleepwalking, such as nighttime seizures, other sleep disorders or panic attacks
Polysomnography: To record and monitor brain waves, the oxygen level in the blood, heart rate and breathing
Complications of Sleepwalking if untreated
Yes, Sleepwalking causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Sleepwalking is left untreated:
behaviour issues
hurt themselves
eat something inappropriate during a sleepwalking episode
Self-care for Sleepwalking
The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Sleepwalking:
Avoid alcohol: Drinking alcohol can interfere with a good night's sleep and may be a trigger for sleepwalking
Avoid use of antidepressant medicines: Can interfere with a good night's sleep and may be a trigger for sleepwalking
Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Sleepwalking
The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Sleepwalking:
Do relaxation exercises: Helps to reduce the stress