Somnambulism

Somnambulism, also known as sleepwalking, is a behavior disorder that originates during deep sleep and results in walking or performing other complex behaviors while asleep. It is much more common in children than adults and is more likely to occur if a person is sleep deprived.

Causes

The cause of sleepwalking is unknown, but it appears to have a genetic component. It can also be triggered by sleep deprivation, chaotic sleep schedules, fever, stress, magnesium deficiency, and alcohol intoxication. Certain medical conditions, such as nighttime asthma, nighttime seizures, psychiatric disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obstructive sleep apnea, can also trigger sleepwalking episodes.

Symptoms

Sleepwalking is characterized by a series of behaviors that are performed during a partial arousal from deep sleep. This includes sitting up and looking around, walking around the house, leaving the house, driving long distances, or even violent attacks on individuals in the household.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of sleepwalking is usually made based on the patient's history. However, a polysomnogram may be done to rule out other conditions that could be causing the sleepwalking, such as restless legs syndrome or sleep apnea.

Treatment

Treatment for sleepwalking is usually not necessary. However, in some cases, if the sleepwalking is causing significant problems, treatment may be needed. This can include improving sleep hygiene, using scheduled awakenings, and in some cases, medication.

See also

• Parasomnia
• Sleep disorder
• Sleep paralysis
• Night terror

References

Somnambulism Resources
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