What Is Sleepwalking

SLEEPWALKING DEFINEDhistory of sleepwalking somewhere in the family
Sleepwalking is a sleeping disorder characterizedof frequent and persistent sleepwalkers, and the
by behavior usually performed in a wakeful state.number of sleepwalking adults is less than the
Examples of wakeful behavior are sitting up,number of sleepwalking children.
walking, and sometimes even talking to others.WHAT CAUSES SLEEPWALKING
Also known as noctambulism or somnambulism,Anything that affects the nervous system can be
sleepwalking is listed in the DSM-IV-TR andblamed for sleepwalking, and that includes
identified as a disorder by the Americanconsumption anti-depressants or sleeping pills, a
Psychiatric Association. Although incidents ofsevere illness, and the experience of extreme
sleepwalking are used by professionals toemotional stress such as a death or a frightening
determine a mental disorder, it is not classified orevent. Hormones may contribute to sleepwalking
identified as an emotional problem. It is insteadepisodes as well so events that cause drastic
defined as a brain disorder.hormonal changes (adolescence, menstruation,
During an episode, the sleepwalker behavespregnancy, menopause, etc.) could play a role in
according to whatever he or she is dreamingtriggering sleepwalking episodes too. There are no
about. Eyes may be open, but they do notknown foods that trigger sleepwalking.
acknowledge events, people, or objects aroundHOW TO CURE SLEEPWAKING
them. This phenomenon typically begins as aUnless sleepwalking is a regular occurrence and it
sleepwalker experiences stage four sleepplaces its victims in danger, there's no need to
(slow-wave sleep). Yet upon waking, they mayseek medical attention. When sleepwalking
remember a little of the event, or none at all withhappens repeatedly or puts the sleepwalker in
the entire episode lasting for only a few minutesharm, a physician may prescribe benzodiazepines
or more. Despite myths and warnings, there is noto keep the patient in bed. Benzodiazepines are
harm in waking a sleepwalker. Awakenedlipophilic amines and they're used as tranquilizers,
sleepwalkers will appear a little disoriented andsedatives, hypnotics, or musclerelaxants. Some
confused about where they are, how they gotwell known brands are Ativan, Halcion, Libritabs,
there, and why - but they can return to bedLibrium, ProSom, Restoril, Valium, Versed, or
easily with little to no fuss.Xanax,
SLEEPWALKING STATISTICSSLEEPWALKING DANGERS
Sleepwalking rarely occurs in individuals who don'tThe physical dangers of sleepwalking are pretty
already suffer from some other psychiatricobvious, however besides risking bodily harm or
disorder or problem. But when it does occur, iteven death, sleepwalking individuals actually lose a
occurs in more males than females, and only in 1 -lot of sleep since a portion of their sleeping time is
5% of children. By the time sleepwalking childrenspent in activity. As a result, they may
reach the teen years, sleepwalking usually stopsexperience fatigue during the daytime and will
on it own without medication, diet change, ormore than likely experience insomnia during the
behavior modification. Chances are that there is anights that they slept during the day.