Sleepwalking
En Español (Spanish Version)Sleepwalking is a type of sleep disorder. A person who is sleepwalking may walk around or do other complex behaviors while still asleep. It may be as simple as sitting up in bed or as complex as leaving the house and going for a drive.
It is not clear exactly what causes sleepwalking. Some people are more likely to sleepwalk. The sleepwalking may be triggered by:
Factors that may increase your risk of sleepwalking include:
- Family history of sleepwalking
- Being a child—most common in preschool to pre-adolescence
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.
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Along with walking during sleep, other symptoms can include:
- Sitting up in bed and repeating certain movements such as rubbing eyes or fumbling with clothes
- Talking in your sleep
- Difficulty arousing during a sleepwalking episode
- Doing inappropriate behavior during a sleepwalking episode such as urinating in closets
- Becoming violent when a person tries to wake you
- Not remembering the event
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. You will be asked about your:
- Family history
- Fatigue
- Medication
- Underlying illness or stress
Your doctor may refer you to a sleep specialist. You may need to have a
sleep study
done in a medical clinic.
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:
- Remove dangerous objects from your room
- Keep doors and windows closed and locked
Some cases of sleepwalking can be treated with
hypnosis
.
Your 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 that time. This may help stop the sleepwalking.
Medications that may help reduce sleepwalking include:
- Sedative-hypnotics
- Antidepressants
To help reduce the chances of sleepwalking, take the following steps:
- Increase the amount of time scheduled for sleep.
- Avoid alcohol and certain medications that may trigger sleepwalking.
- Have a regular bedtime routine.
American Academy of Family Physicians
National Sleep Foundation
The Better Sleep Council Canada
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Sleepwalking. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php
. Updated January 1, 2011. Accessed June 4, 2013.
Sleepwalking. American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at:
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/sleepwalking.html
. Updated November 2010. Accessed June 4, 2013.
Sleepwalking. National Sleep Foundation website. Available at:
http://www.sleepfoundation.org/article/sleep-related-problems/sleepwalking
Accessed
June 4, 2013.
Last Reviewed June 2013