Sleepwalking
Common in children
| Download this episodeIt’s one of the more common disorders in America but one of the least understood. Perhaps that’s because those it affects are asleep. Sleepwalking, known by its clinical name as somnambulism, is a behavior disorder that 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. Because a sleepwalker typically remains in deep sleep throughout the episode, he or she may be difficult to awaken and will probably not remember the sleepwalking incident. The National Sleep Foundation estimates that between one and 15 percent of the U.S. population have suffered from somnambulism at some point. Sleepwalking is classified as a parasomnia, as it is undesirable behavior or experience during sleep. In rare instances, a sleepwalker may leave the house, drive a car, or engage in unusual or sexual behaviors without awareness of their actions.
Disturbed sleep
Download this episodeSleepwalking, or somnambulism, occurs in the deepest part of sleep which is generally found early in the night, often one to two hours after falling asleep. It’s unlikely to occur during naps. A sleepwalking episode can occur rarely or often, and an episode generally lasts several minutes, but can last longer. Someone who is sleepwalking may get up out of bed and do routine activities, such as getting dressed, talking or making a snack. They will likely have a glazed, glassy-eyed expression and not respond or communicate with others. Sleepwalkers typically have no memory of their activities in the morning and sometimes have problems functioning during the day because of disturbed sleep. They may also have sleep terrors, essentially appearing in acute distress while asleep. This status usually resolves without intervention and is best addressed by simply allowing the person enter a different state of sleep.
To wake or not to wake?
Download this episodeIt’s a common question. Should you wake someone who is sleepwalking? The answer is no, doing so can be dangerous as sleepwalkers often become violent during the confused period after awakening or, occasionally, during the event. Someone who is sleepwalking is likely to injure them self by falling down the stairs or jumping out a window, so getting them back to bed is important. If you confront someone who is sleepwalking, gently ask them to turn them around and ensure they return to the bedroom safely. If they resist, stay with them and help them avoid perilous objects and situations. It is not advised that you restrain or awaken them. The best intervention, however, is prevention when it comes to sleep walking. Avoiding sleep deprivation and consider adding a nap during the day. If these interventions are not enough, it may be time seek medical attention so that other medical conditions such as sleep related breathing disorders are addressed if present.
REM sleep
Download this episodeSleepwalking can occur at any age, although it happens most often in children between the ages of 5 and 12. The episode can be very brief or it can last for 30 minutes or longer. Most episodes last for less than 10 minutes. If they are not disturbed, sleepwalkers will go back to sleep. But they may fall asleep in a different or unusual place. According to Dr. Caris Fitzgerald, who specializes in sleep medicine at UAMS, a person’s normal sleep cycle has different stages, from light drowsiness to deep sleep. During the stage called rapid eye movement or REM sleep, the eyes move quickly and vivid dreaming is most common. Sleepwalking most often occurs during deep, non-REM sleep, or N3 sleep, early in the night. As people age, they have less N3 sleep. This is why sleepwalking is much more common in children and young adults. Dr. Fitzgerald says the most common factors for sleep walking in adults are sleep deprivation, untreated sleep apnea, and a variety of medications that can induce mixed sleep-wake states.
Short-term problem
Download this episodeThere is no specific way to treat sleepwalking, as this is usually a short-term problem. Sleepwalking is common in children and is usually outgrown over time, especially as the amount of deep sleep decreases. If symptoms persist through adolescence, medical assistance may be necessary. In most cases, simply improving the patient’s sleep habits may eliminate the problem. As sleep deprivation often contributes to sleepwalking, increasing the amount of time scheduled for sleep can be helpful. Also, experts recommend establishing a regular, relaxing routine prior to bedtime to cope with sleepwalking. If you or someone in your family is sleepwalking, you should talk to a doctor or sleep specialist about ways to prevent injury during the episodes and about the possibility of an underlying illness. Also, be prepared to discuss with the doctor or pediatrician any factors, such as schedule, medications, diet, and stress, which may trigger sleepwalking symptoms.Trusted by thousands of listeners every week, T. Glenn Pait, M.D., began offering expert advice as the host of UAMS’ “Here’s to Your Health” program in 1996. Dr. Pait began working at UAMS in 1994 and has been practicing medicine for over 20 years.