Cellulite Solutions | Beating Allergies | Pregnancy Guide | Back Pain | Sleep Deep

Causes of Sleepwalking

Odd things happen when there's a sleepwalker in the house - don't be surprised if you wake up to find the sofa cushions in the bath or that all those luxury Belgian chocolates have mysteriously disappeared.

About 10-15% of us have been sleepwalking at some point in our lives - probably when we were children - and it's equally common in men and women. Here's how to spot the signs.

When you sleepwalk you get out of bed and start to walk, then often perform acts in a robot-like way - anything from pacing the room to getting dressed and making yourself a cheese and ham sandwich. Most of the time sleepwalking isn't dangerous unless you go outside or turn on an appliance. And if you've walked a long time, you could go back to sleep somewhere other than bed. Next morning, it will come as a complete surprise when someone tells you of your night-time wanderings. Unless you wake up in the bath, of course.

HOW DOES IT HAPPEN?

It happens when parts of the brain are asleep and other parts of the brain - those that control walking and other physical activities - are in some way awake. You'd think that sleepwalking would happen during REM (dream sleep), but it actually occurs most often during very deep sleep, which takes place most often in the first third of the night. This is when the part of the brain that deals with thinking and alertness is asleep.

WHO SUFFERS?

You're more likely to sleepwalk if you're sleep deprived as you fall into a deep sleep more quickly. Some people say that the hormonal ups and downs of puberty, being pregnant and even having your period increase the chances of sleepwalking too. Stress is also a trigger - perhaps because your body finds it difficult to rest - and drinking alcohol can also lead to sleepwalking.

Children are most likely to sleepwalk as they spend more of the night in deep sleep when sleepwalking generally occurs. If your child sleepwalks, it's likely you or a member of you family also did so when you were children. The good news is that children tend to grow out of it. If you started sleepwalking after the age of nine, however, there's a higher chance you'll still be sleepwalking in adulthood.

Adult sleepwalking is more serious as it's often more extreme, and you're more likely to hurt yourself. One study of adult sleepwalkers found that 19% had been injured while sleepwalking. In the US, sleepwalkers are not allowed in the armed services, partly because of the threat they pose to themselves and others when they have access to dangerous equipment (such as weapons) and are unaware of what they are doing when they sleepwalk.

HOW IS IT TREATED?

If sleepwalking is not causing any problems and happens only occasionally, then nothing needs to be done. If it's getting you down, you need to tackle the cause. If it's triggered by alcohol, cut down and try not to drink after ten 0'clock. If you're sleep deprived or stressed, deal with these, then the sleepwalking will probably stop. See your doctor about stress management techniques, counselling and relaxation exercises. The complementary therapies biofeedback, which teaches you to control various body functions, and hypnosis have been successful for sleepwalkers. As a last resort, talk to your doctor about drugs such as benzodiazepines, which can treat sleepwalking by relaxing your muscles and preventing movement.


Custom Search