Sleepwalking

People sometimes get up and walk around while they're asleep. This is called sleepwalking, or somnambulism. It's more common in kids than adults, and most kids grow out of it by their teenage years. If it only happens occasionally, it's usually not a big deal and doesn't need special treatment. But if sleepwalking happens frequently, it could be a sign of a deeper sleep problem.

In adults, sleepwalking is more often connected with other sleep difficulties. For example, someone might be sleepwalking because they have a different sleep disorder, or a medical issue.

If someone in your family sleepwalks, it's important to make sure they don't get hurt while doing so. This might involve making their sleeping environment safer, like removing hazards or putting up barriers.

Sleepwalking is a common sleep disorder where a person gets up and moves around while still asleep. It typically happens in the first few hours after you fall asleep, usually between one and two hours. While it's less likely to occur during naps, it's not impossible. How often a person sleepwalks can vary; some experience it rarely, while others more frequently. Episodes usually last a few minutes, but they can sometimes be longer.

During a sleepwalking episode, a person might:

• Get out of bed and wander: They might walk around the room or even leave the house.
• Sit up and look around: Their eyes might appear unfocused or blank.
• Not respond or talk: They may not react to others trying to wake them.
• Be hard to wake up: Waking them can be challenging.
• Be confused when they wake up: They might feel disoriented for a short time.
• Have no memory of it in the morning: They often don't remember what happened while they were sleepwalking.
• Feel tired during the day: Disrupted sleep from sleepwalking can lead to daytime fatigue.

Sometimes, sleepwalkers might also:

• Perform familiar tasks: This could include dressing, talking, or even eating.
• Leave the house: Depending on the severity, they might go outside.
• Drive a car: This is extremely dangerous and should never happen.
• Engage in unusual behaviors: These could include going to the bathroom in an unusual place or engaging in sexual activity without awareness.
• Get injured: Falls, for example, are a common risk.
• Become violent: This is less common, but can happen when sleepwalking.

Most occasional cases of sleepwalking aren't a major concern and usually resolve on their own. You can simply mention any sleepwalking episodes during a routine checkup.

However, you should see a healthcare professional if:

• Sleepwalking happens frequently: More than once or twice a week, or multiple times a night.
• Sleepwalking leads to harm: This includes injuries to the sleepwalker or others.
• Sleepwalking disrupts others' sleep: This can affect family members or roommates.
• Sleepwalking leads to significant daytime tiredness: This can impact daily activities at work or school.
• Sleepwalking starts in adulthood or continues into adolescence: This requires medical attention.

It's important to note that sleepwalking is a complex issue and should be discussed with a doctor for proper diagnosis and management.

Sleepwalking occasionally is usually nothing to worry about. It often resolves on its own. You can just mention it during a regular checkup with your doctor.

However, you should see a healthcare professional if:

• Sleepwalking is frequent: This means more than once or twice a week, or multiple times a night.
• Sleepwalking causes harm: If you or someone else gets hurt during a sleepwalking episode, or if the sleepwalking involves dangerous behavior.
• Sleepwalking disrupts others' sleep: If the sleepwalking wakes up family members or roommates.
• Sleepwalking causes daytime tiredness or problems: If sleepwalking makes you feel very tired during the day or interferes with your daily activities, like going to school or work.
• Sleepwalking starts or continues into adulthood: If sleepwalking begins in a child and continues into their teen years, or if it starts for the first time in an adult.

In these situations, a doctor can help figure out the cause and recommend ways to manage the sleepwalking.

Sleepwalking is a type of sleep problem called a parasomnia. This means it's an unusual or unwanted activity that happens while you're sleeping. Specifically, sleepwalking is a problem with waking up too soon. It happens during the deepest stage of sleep, called slow-wave sleep (sometimes called N3 sleep). This is the stage where your body and brain are most relaxed. Another sleep problem that can sometimes occur alongside sleepwalking is sleep terrors. Both are linked to the same stage of sleep.

Sleepwalking can be triggered by several things. Getting too little sleep can make it more likely. Stress, a fever, or changes in your sleep schedule (like traveling or having trouble sleeping) can also play a role.

Sometimes, an underlying health issue can cause sleepwalking. For example, breathing problems during sleep (like sleep apnea) can be a factor. Taking certain medicines, such as sleep aids or some medications for mental health, can sometimes cause it. Substance use, such as alcohol, can also contribute. Even conditions like restless legs syndrome or acid reflux (GERD) can sometimes be related to sleepwalking.

In short, sleepwalking is a disruption in normal sleep patterns, and various factors can increase the risk of it occurring. If you're experiencing sleepwalking frequently, it's a good idea to talk to a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

Sleepwalking can be influenced by several things.

Family History (Genetics): Sleepwalking often appears in families. If one parent has a history of sleepwalking, a child is more likely to experience it. The risk increases significantly if both parents have sleepwalking problems. This suggests a genetic link, meaning the tendency to sleepwalk can be passed down through generations.

Age: Sleepwalking is more frequently seen in children than adults. If an adult starts sleepwalking, it's usually connected to another health issue. This is different from a child, where sleepwalking is often a temporary phase.

Sleepwalking isn't usually a serious problem, but it can lead to some issues. People who sleepwalk might:

• Get hurt: They might bump into things like furniture or fall down stairs. Sleepwalking can also take them outside, where they could get into danger. Even more concerning, they could drive a car or eat something they shouldn't while still asleep. These actions can cause accidents and injuries.

• Have trouble sleeping: Sleepwalking can disrupt a person's sleep patterns, making them tired during the day. This tiredness can affect their daily life, potentially causing problems at school or with their behavior.

• Feel embarrassed: Sleepwalkers often feel ashamed or embarrassed about the things they do while they're not fully awake.

• Disturb others: Sleepwalking can wake up other people in the household, disrupting their sleep as well.

While rare, sleepwalking could also put someone else at risk of injury.

Doctors diagnose sleepwalking by looking at your medical history and symptoms. They might do a physical exam to rule out other possible causes, like seizures, other sleep problems, or anxiety attacks. If you sleepwalk and live with someone, they'll likely be the ones to notice it. Your doctor might ask your partner about your sleepwalking behavior. They might also ask you and your partner to fill out a questionnaire about your sleep habits. If you have a family history of sleepwalking, tell your doctor about that.

Sometimes, a sleep study is needed. This study, called polysomnography, happens overnight in a sleep lab. Small sensors are attached to your body to record things like brain activity, blood oxygen levels, heart rate, breathing, eye movements, and leg movements while you sleep. You might also be videotaped to see what happens during your sleep cycles. This helps doctors understand the specific patterns of your sleepwalking.

If you're concerned about sleepwalking, talk to your doctor. They can help you understand what's going on and recommend the best course of action.

Most sleepwalking doesn't need treatment. If a child sleepwalks, it often stops by the time they're a teenager. However, if sleepwalking causes injuries, problems for family members, or makes it hard for the sleepwalker to sleep, treatment might be helpful.

Treatment aims to make things safe and stop the sleepwalking. This could involve:

• Finding the cause: If sleepwalking is linked to not getting enough sleep, a sleep disorder, or another medical issue, treating that problem is important. For example, if someone has an underlying medical condition like sleep apnea, addressing that directly could help.
• Adjusting medication: If a person suspects a medication is causing the sleepwalking, consulting a doctor to adjust the medication might be necessary.
• Wake-up schedule: Sometimes, waking the person up about 15 minutes before they usually sleepwalk, keeping them awake for a few minutes, and then letting them go back to sleep can help. This is called "anticipatory awakening."
• Medicines: Doctors might prescribe medicines like benzodiazepines (which calm the nervous system) or certain antidepressants. These are used to reduce sleepwalking frequency but are often a last resort.
• Hypnosis: Working with a trained professional who specializes in sleep disorders (parasomnias) can help some people. They can teach self-hypnosis techniques that might help the person relax and control sleepwalking behaviors. The ability to benefit from hypnosis varies from person to person.
• Therapy: A therapist or counselor can help people learn ways to improve their sleep, manage stress, and practice relaxation techniques. Techniques like self-hypnosis might be discussed.

If sleepwalking is causing you or your family problems, talking to a doctor about treatment options is a good idea.