Sleepwalking

Definition

Sleepwalking is a type of sleep disorder. It leads to complex movement or action during sleep. Sleepwalking may include simple actions like walking or talking or more dangerous tasks like cooking or driving. The person often has no memory of the event since they are still asleep.

Causes

It is not clear why some people are more likely to sleepwalk than others. Sleepwalking may be triggered by:

• Stress, anxiety, or posttraumatic stress disorder
• Lack of sleep or change in sleep schedule
• Illness that has led to a fever
• Some medicine
• Alcohol use
• Sleep apnea

Risk Factors

Sleepwalking is more common in children up to about 12 years old. It can happen in adults.

Your chances of sleepwalking are higher if you have:

• Certain genes
• A family history of sleepwalking

Symptoms

Movements or action during sleep is the most common symptom. Someone who is sleepwalking:

• Will not respond to others
• May have open eyes
• Moves in ways that don't make sense or are clumsy
• May talk
• Does not remember the event

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health past. A physical exam will be done. A sleep study may be done. Sleep will watched in a clinic. This will show possible sleep problems. An EEG may be done. It measures brain waves and can help to rule out other problems.

Treatment

Treatment may not be needed if sleepwalking does not happen often. Children may also grow out of it as they age. Sleepwalking may need treatment if it:

• Makes it hard to get good sleep on a regular basis
• Leads to harmful or dangerous events such as leaving house or injury
• Interrupts other people's sleep

Treatment steps will be based on needs. Steps may include:

Prevention

The tendency to sleepwalk cannot be prevented. Treatment and good sleep habits may decrease the number of events.