Sleepwalking Disorder

Sleepwalking Disorder

Article
Brain & Nerve
Diseases & Conditions
Contributed byMaulik P. Purohit MD MPHJan 13, 2019

What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

  • Noctambulism
  • Sleepwalking
  • Somnambulism

What is Sleepwalking Disorder? (Definition/Background Information)

  • Sleepwalking Disorder is a sleep disorder that occurs when an individual walks or demonstrates complex (physical) behavior, while sleeping
  • Awakening the sleepwalker can be difficult, because the episodes typically occur during deep sleep stages
  • Sleepwalkers have little or no memory of the activities partaken, as they are not fully conscious, while performing the activities

Who gets Sleepwalking Disorder? (Age and Sex Distribution)

  • Sleepwalking Disorder is more common in children than adults
  • Children, between the ages 3 and 7 years, experience the disorder the most (compared to any other age groups), especially when combined with obstructive sleep apnea (a condition in which breathing temporarily stops while sleeping)
  • It is estimated that about 1% of pre-school and 2% of school-aged children, walk in their sleep more than once a week
  • Both male and female sexes are affected
  • No specific race/ethnic preference is noted; Sleepwalking phenomena takes place worldwide, without any geographical restriction

What are the Risk Factors for Sleepwalking Disorder? (Predisposing Factors)

  • One of the biggest risk factors for Sleepwalking Disorder is its inheritable trait (passing from parent to child). A child’s risk of Sleepwalking is 45%, if one parent is a sleepwalker; the risk is 60%, if both parents are

Many mental disorders have shown to increase one’s chances for Sleepwalking. These include:

  • Schizophrenia
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Tourette Syndrome
  • Posttraumatic stress disorder

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Sleepwalking Disorder? (Etiology)

Three factors can contribute to Sleepwalking Disorder: Genetics, environmental factors, and medical disorders or problems.

  • Genetics: Sleepwalking in an individual can occur ten times more often, when first-degree relatives have a history of the condition
  • Environmental factors: Sleep deprivation, alcohol intoxication, stress, and drugs (sedatives, stimulants, sleeping pills, and antihistamines), can contribute in triggering the condition
  • Medical: Psychiatric disorders, fever, abnormal heart rhythms, gastroesophageal reflux (food or liquid retracting from the stomach back to the food pipe), and obstructive sleep apnea, have shown to induce the disorder

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Sleepwalking Disorder?

Signs and symptoms of Sleepwalking Disorder include:

  • Little recollection of, or having no memory of the Sleepwalking incident (including any physical activities performed)
  • The individual stares blankly as they wander around the place/house
  • Inability to be aroused (stimulated) during such an episode
  • Sleepwalking  duration may vary from under a minute, to over 30 minutes
  • Sleep talking

How is Sleepwalking Disorder Diagnosed?

A diagnosis for Sleepwalking Disorder will include:

  • Screening for other disorders to make sure Sleepwalking is not a symptom of another illness
  • Some individuals may undergo a polysomnogram (a sleep study that monitors brain activity using sensors, placed on one’s head)
  • Psychological evaluation to determine if excessive stress or anxiety is causing these episodes

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Sleepwalking Disorder?

Complications with Sleepwalking Disorder may include:

  • Individuals who experience the disorder may injure themselves during such a Sleepwalking episode
  • There may be increased bedwetting incidents
  • A child with sleepwalking episodes may have emotional and behavioral issues at home and school

How is Sleepwalking Disorder Treated?

  • There is no specific treatment for Sleepwalking; most individuals grow out of the condition
  • Improving sleep hygiene (eliminating factors that interfere with sleep) have shown to help some individuals
  • The use of physician-prescribed sedatives, hypnotics, or antidepressants have shown to reduce the occurrences in some individuals

How can Sleepwalking Disorder be Prevented?

In order to prevent Sleepwalking Disorder, one should:

  • Avoid the use of alcohol or drug depressants, if one is a regular sleepwalker
  • Minimize stress or anxiety, as much as possible
  • Sleep at a manageable time, in order to avoid unstable sleep schedules. This helps prevent insomnia (inability to fall or stay asleep) and sleep deprivation

What is the Prognosis of Sleepwalking Disorder? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

  • In most cases, Sleepwalking decreases as an individual gets older
  • If the condition persists, then it can be a symptom associated with another disease/disorder

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Sleepwalking Disorder:

  • It is not dangerous to awaken a sleepwalker. Most sleepwalkers may feel confused about their whereabouts, when awakened
  • Having Sleepwalking episodes does not mean that the child is emotionally abnormal
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Maulik P. Purohit MD MPH picture
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Maulik P. Purohit MD MPH

Assistant Medical Director, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

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