SleepwalkingDefinitionSleepwalking 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. CausesIt is not clear exactly what causes sleepwalking. Some people are more susceptible to sleepwalking. The sleepwalking may be triggered by:
Risk FactorsFactors that may increase your risk of sleepwalking include:
Hyperthyroidism Hyperthyroidism is an abnormal condition of the thyroid. It can affect many of the body's systems, including glands in the brain that can interfere with proper sleep. Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. SymptomsAlong with walking during sleep, other symptoms can include:
DiagnosisYour doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. You will be asked about your:
Your doctor may refer you to a sleep specialist. You may need to have a sleep study done in a medical clinic. TreatmentTalk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include: Strategies to Prevent InjuryYour doctor will help you prevent injury during sleepwalking by recommending that you:
HypnosisSome cases of sleepwalking can be treated with hypnosis. AwakeningYour 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. MedicationsThese medications may be helpful in reducing the incidence of sleepwalking:
PreventionTo help reduce the chances of sleepwalking, take the following steps:
American Academy of Family Physicians National Sleep Foundation About Kids Health Better Sleep Council Canada Sleepwalking. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Updated January 1, 2011. Accessed August 13, 2012. 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.sleepfo... Accessed August 13, 2012. Sleepwalking. American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: http://familydocto... . Accessed August 13, 2012. Last reviewed October 2012 by Brian Randall, MD |
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