Sleep Walking Information

Somnambulism, also known as sleep walking, is a sleep disorder. Many individuals worldwide suffer from this disorder and are interested in knowing more. Fortunately, many studies have been performed and now some light has been shed on this unique problem. The following information will discuss sleep walking, its symptoms, as well as treatment options.

So What is This Problem?

It happens when an individual is walking or performing otherwise normal actions while they are completely asleep and unaware. Sleepwalking occurs during slow wave sleep and for some reason a variety of behaviours are initiated resulting in the individual walking in their sleep. During REM, Rapid Eye Movement, the sleep walking behaviour is exhibited. The lack of a chemical in the dream phase of sleep initiates this behaviour in affected individuals.

Generally, when individuals are in REM sleep the body produces a body paralysing chemical. So, no matter how crazy your dreams you won’t be moving around and harmed in any way because the body is paralysed. However, individuals who walk in their sleep lack this paralysing chemical and as a result walk around or perform other actions in their sleep.

Children between the ages of six and 12 have the most likelihood to sleep walk at least once. Most children will outgrow this disorder. Although Somnambulism can occur in adults and the elderly as well.


Parasomnia- Sleep Disorders

Sleepwalking is classified under parasomnia. The other three types of parasomnia include sleeptalking, REM movement disorder, and sleep terrors. It is believed that at least half of the world’s population suffers from one of these types of parasomnia at some point during their lives. However, many times individuals simply grow out of the disorder or can find relief through stress reduction, drugs, or even hypnosis.

What are the Symptoms?

Typical symptoms include walking or performing other actions while asleep. Amnesia typically follows these episodes and sleepwalkers rarely if ever remember their walking adventures. Stress, anxiety and fatigue are also symptoms of the problem. When individuals are sleep-walking it is incredibly difficult to arouse them from this state. Generally, it occurs during stages three or four of normal sleep. Different individuals experience different symptoms. However, the above stated symptoms are some of the most common sleepwalkers experience.


Are There any Treatments?

Two successful treatments for Somnambulism include drugs and hypnosis. Both of these options have proven successful in both children and adults. If you suffer from sleep-walking, or someone you know does, then it is important to make an appointment with your doctor. Sometimes sleep tests are in order. After doctors have diagnosed the problem and ruled out any psychological disorders then a treatment can be recommended to the sufferer. Many times treatment can eliminate these episodes or reduce them significantly. The best thing to do is visit the doctor as soon as the sleep disorder is suspected because just letting it go could result in injury or other problems for the affected individual.

 

Sleep Problems