SLEEPWALKING OR SOMNAMBULISM

Edited by, SNEHA MAVIS

Sleepwalking also known as Somnambulism, is the act of getting up and walking around while asleep. Sleep walking is more prevalent in children than in adults and is usually outgrown by the 3 years. Sleepwalking normally  occurs 1 to 2 hours after falling asleep and lasts for 5 to 20 minutes. Sleepwalkers may have their eyes open but may not exhibit the typical characteristics of being awake. 

SYMPTOMS:

• Get out of bed and take a walk

• Sit up in bed and open his or her eyes 

• Seeming dazed or confused

• Mumbling incoherently

• Not respond or communicate with others

• It is difficult to wake up during an episode

• Once awake, the person has no recollection of sleepwalking 

• Urinating in inappropriate places

• Get injured by falling down the stairs or jumping out a window

CAUSES:

• Sleepwalking is classed as a parasomnia, which is an undesirable behavior or experience while sleeping. Sleepwalking is an arousal disorder that occurs during N3, the deepest stage of non-rapid eye movement(NREM) sleep.

• Sleep deprivation

• Stress

• Sleep schedule disruptions

• Fever or delirium 

• Certain conditions such as sleep apnea and seizure disorders 

• Taking certain medications such as hypnotics, sedatives or certain medications used for psychiatric disorders 

TREATMENT:

In general, treatment focuses on enhancing safety and eliminating causes or triggers.

If the sleep walking is caused by sleep deprivation, underlying sleep disorder, or a medical illness, the underlying issue must be treated. Anticipatory awakenings involve waking the person who is sleep walking around 15 minutes before he or she normally sleep walks, then remaining awake for a few minutes before falling asleep again.

Mental health expert can offer advice for improving sleep, stress-reduction techniques, self-hypnosis and relaxation techniques. Medication such as benzodiazepines or certain antidepressants may help in some cases.

LIFESTYLE MODIFICATION:

Keeping the person safe. During an episode, sleepwalkers are prone to harm themselves and possibly leave the house. All doors and windows should be securely closed, and the sleeping area should be free of hazards. 

On the floors, stairwells, and halls, there should be no sharp objects or clutter. If someone is found to be sleepwalking, they should be gently guided back to bed while being spoken to in a calm manner. It is not recommended to awaken the sleepwalker because this can cause agitation.