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Somnambulism - Sleepwalking Disorder

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Sleepwalking is a sleep disorder in which sleeping and waking states are combined. The individual partially wakes from deep sleep and carries out some type of activity. Often this is walking, but other detailed activities may be performed.

What is going on in the body?

Sleepwalking involves complex motor acts. It occurs mainly during the first third of the night. Sleepwalking occurs during stage 3 or stage 4 sleep. It does not occur during rapid eye movement, or REM, sleep.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

No one knows the exact cause of sleepwalking. It often runs in families. Sleepwalking that starts at an early age typically goes away as the child gets older. Fifteen percent of normal children between the ages of 5 and 15 years old sleepwalk.

Symptoms & Signs

What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?

The following are symptoms of sleepwalking:

appearing to be awake

feeling confusion and disorientation upon waking during an episode

having a lack of coordination

having open eyes but a blank facial expression

performing seemingly purposeful acts, such as opening a door

talking using speech that cannot be understood or does not make sense

walking during sleep

These episodes may last for 5 to 20 minutes. The individual may have no recall of the behavior after waking up. Waking up after such episodes may be difficult.

Diagnosis & Tests

How is the condition diagnosed?

Diagnosis of sleepwalking begins with a medical history and physical exam. A polysomnogram, or sleep study, is usually not needed. The healthcare provider may order other tests to rule out underlying disorders.

Prevention & Expectations

What can be done to prevent the condition?

There is no known prevention for sleepwalking. The following measures may decrease the frequency of the sleepwalking.

Avoid illegal drugs.

Avoid sleeping pills, tranquilizers, and pain medicines.

Follow a regular schedule for bedtime and awakening.

Limit alcohol intake.

Use stress management, including relaxation therapy.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

Sleepwalking has no significant long-term effects.

What are the risks to others?

Sleepwalking is not contagious and poses no risk to others.

Treatment & Monitoring

What are the treatments for the condition?

Another person can help the sleepwalker in these ways.

Gently lead the person back to bed.

Help the person avoid becoming overtired.

Protect the person from accidents or injury.

The following method has been shown to reduce or eliminate sleepwalking. It is thought to interrupt the abnormal sleep pattern.

Log the number of minutes that pass from the time the person falls asleep to the time sleepwalking starts for several nights.

On the following nights, the person should be awakened 15 minutes before the start of the expected sleepwalking episode. This timing is based on the information gathered in the log.

The person should be kept awake for 5 minutes.

This procedure should be followed for 7 consecutive nights.

If sleepwalking begins again, the procedure should be repeated for 7 more consecutive days.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

The measures described to change sleep patterns have no significant side effects.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

After treatment for sleepwalking, the individual should continue to follow preventive measures to avoid a recurrence.

How is the condition monitored?

Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.

Attribution

Author:Ann Reyes, Ph.D.
Date Written:
Editor:Ballenberg, Sally, BS
Edit Date:07/31/01
Reviewer:Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
Date Reviewed:06/26/01