Sleep Walking

Sleep Walking is also called as Somnambulism. It is a disorder where a person start walking or perform like simply sitting, going to bathroom, dressing, etc while asleep. Sometimes such people seems to be awake but they are not. In some cases, sleep walking is associated with talking. Somnambulism is commonly seen in children and rarely in adults.

The normal sleep cycle has stages from light sleep to deep sleep.
Stage 1- It is stage of light sleep where a person can be easily waken up. During this stage eye and body movements are slowed down but a person may experience the jerky movements of the muscles because the part of brain is stimulated excessively.

Stage 2- Most of the time is spend in this stage where the eye movements are stopped and brain activity is lowered.

Stage 3- It is the initial part of deep sleep where it becomes difficult to wake up or wake someone up.

Stage 4 - It is the last part of deep sleep where it becomes very difficult to wake someone up. It is important to sleep in this stage to feel refresh in the morning.

Stage 5 - Rapid Eye Movement (REM). This sleep cycle is associated with dreaming.

Each sleep cycle that is from stage 1 to 5 occurs several times throughout the night and each cycle lasts for 1 and 1/2 hours.

During these stages every person goes through the cycles of Rapid eye movements (REM) and non- rapid eye movements (non-REM). Sleep Walking often occurs during deep sleep and non-REM i.e stage 3 and 4.

Factors that cause Sleep Walking

• Genetic - If there is a history of sleep walking in the family then chances are high to inherit the same history.
• Lack of sleep due to mental stress, excess of work, fatigue, etc can cause sleep walking
• Excess intake of alcohol
• Drugs like sedatives, anti-psychotic medicines or such medicines where the person sleeps a lot or gets more energetic causes sleep walking.
• Medical conditions like psychotic disorder (panic attack), convulsions, etc. causes this condition.

Symptoms

• A person usually walk around or sit up with eyes open and starry look but not awake.
• When they wake up usually don't remember of walking in sleep.
• Some people talk insensible during the sleep along with walking.
• Occasionally get aggressive during the sleep.
• Sleep walking is not associated with any sleep disorders.

Treatment For Sleep Walking
A) Medical Treatment- Treatment varies and depends on the cause for sleep walking

• If sleep walking is due to drugs or intake of sedatives then first thing is to stop those medicines after consulting the particular doctor.
• If the habit of sleep walking is concerning for the patient and family members then medications are prescribed for 3 to 5 weeks depending on the severity. After 3-5 weeks medicines can be discontinued or dosage can be reduced.
• Consult behavioral therapist for relaxation techniques so that person don't wake up in the middle of night.

B) Non- medical care at home

• Parents must lock the door, remove any sharp or dangerous object present around the sleep walker to avoid the injuries.
• Avoid or reduce any kind of noise or light around that disturbs the sleep pattern.
• Keep regular sleep schedule and follow that schedule.
• Avoid drinking excess of liquid like water or milk or juice before going to bed so that you wake up in the middle for toilet.
• Start yoga practice like meditation at home which will help the mind and brain to relax.

C) Prevention

• Avoid use of alcohol, regular and excess use of sleeping pills.
• Try reducing your mental stress and anxiety by involving yourself in the activities like exercise, yoga, reading, etc.
• If there is any problem with respect to school then parents must talk to teachers and find the solution. Parents must comfort the child and show their support.