What Is Sleepwalking?
According to SHAHEHDNEWS, Sleepwalking disorder is one of the common sleep disorders. It is also one of the most concerning topics that parents and those close to an affected individual discuss with a doctor. Specialists in sleep disorders often encounter parents who are worried about their child sleepwalking and putting themselves at risk. Sleepwalking can occur from childhood, but if it is not treated or is inadequately treated, it may continue into adulthood. Below, we will discuss the symptoms and definition of sleepwalking disorder. Therefore, if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned, it is important to consult a doctor for prevention and treatment to avoid potential harm.
Sleepwalking
During this disorder, the individual wakes up in a way that they may walk with their eyes open, drive, eat, perform involuntary actions like urination, and other activities that are usually done while awake. People who sleepwalk may also show other signs during sleepwalking or after it, such as: sitting on the bed with open eyes, usually with a blank or vacant look and a confused expression, confusion upon waking up, forgetting the activities performed during sleepwalking (all or part of them), difficulty waking up while sleepwalking, and aggression after waking up.
Causes of Sleepwalking
Stress
Disruption in sleep schedule
Sleep deprivation or fatigue
Illness or fever
Stress, anxiety
Use of certain medications
Going to bed with a full bladder
Noisy sleep environment or an unsuitable sleeping environment
Sometimes, sleep-inducing conditions can lead to sleepwalking, such as:
Restless Leg Syndrome
Use of addictive substances like alcohol
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Use of specific medications such as sleep aids, sedatives, or certain medications for psychiatric disorders
Sleep-related breathing disorders (a group of disorders characterized by abnormal breathing patterns during sleep, such as obstructive sleep apnea)
Risk Factors for Sleepwalking
Factors that may increase the risk of sleepwalking include:
Genetics: Sleepwalking appears to be hereditary and runs in families. If one of your parents has a history of sleepwalking, the likelihood of you experiencing it is higher. If both parents have a history of this disorder, the chance of sleepwalking occurring in you increases.
Age: Sleepwalking is more common in both children and adults. However, if sleepwalking occurs for the first time in adulthood, it is likely associated with other conditions or underlying diseases and requires medical consultation and treatment.
Consequences of Sleepwalking
Sleepwalking in itself is not necessarily alarming, but while sleepwalking, you may:
Disrupt the sleep of others.
Cause embarrassment and social relationship issues.
Experience excessive daytime sleepiness and disruptions to your daily life due to interrupted sleep.
Injure others, although this is rarely the case.
Harm yourself (especially if walking near stairs, leaving the house, driving, or eating something inappropriate).
Diagnosis of Sleepwalking
To diagnose sleepwalking, your doctor will review your medical history and symptoms. Your evaluation may include the following:
Physical examination: Your doctor may recommend a physical exam to confirm or rule out conditions that could be mistaken for sleepwalking, such as nocturnal seizures, other sleep disorders, or panic attacks.
Discussion about your symptoms: If you live alone, you may be unaware of your sleepwalking, and it is often observed by those around you. Therefore, your doctor may ask your family or others close to you to fill out a questionnaire about your sleep behaviors. Be sure to inform your doctor if there is a family history of sleepwalking.
Overnight sleep study (Polysomnography): In some cases, your doctor may recommend an overnight study in a sleep laboratory. During polysomnography, sensors placed on your body record and monitor brainwaves, oxygen levels in the blood, heart rate, breathing, and eye and leg movements while you sleep. You may also be filmed to observe your behavior during sleep.
