'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/4AAQSkZJRgABAQAAAQABAAD/2wCEAAMDAwMDAwQEBAQFBQUFBQcHBgYHBwsICQgJCAsRCwwLCwwLEQ8SDw4PEg8bFRMTFRsfGhkaHyYiIiYwLTA+PlQBAwMDAwMDBAQEBAUFBQUFBwcGBgcHCwgJCAkICxELDAsLDAsRDxIPDg8SDxsVExMVGx8aGRofJiIiJjAtMD4+VP/AABEIAAYACgMBIgACEQEDEQH/xABjAAEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABgcQAAEEAgIDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAAgMEBQYRIRITMQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABwgRAQEAAAUFAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECAAMEBRESFBYhMf/aAAwDAQACEQMRAD8AsdK13D7PmW4nJRyur2q1gH1yGNzfFhdyCOweAs6tQRw2Zow0EMkc0E/eiiJ8yGnfdXKrPaZDxz656rxHrM+GbdZMlu56waAFCMr64//Z'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Sleepwalking, commonly referred to as somnambulism, is an act of rising up and moving around while unconscious. It affects children more than adults and is usually outgrown by adolescence. Several times, isolated episodes don't indicate any major issues or necessitate medical attention. Yet, persistent disturbances might be a sign of a sleep disorder.
The likelihood of other sleep disorders and other illnesses being mistaken for or coexisting with sleepwalking is higher in adulthood. It's crucial to safeguard anyone who sleepwalks in your home from any harm that could result from the condition.
What is Sleepwaking? What Are The Causes of Sleepwalking?
A youngster who engages in sleepwalking, also known as somnambulism, wakes up in the middle of the night and walks or engages in other activities. In most cases, the youngster has no memory of getting up or participating in the activities. Throughout the initial half of the night, typically within an hour or two of deep sleep, this may happen.
Trending
Many illnesses, behaviors, and substances are known to cause bouts of sleepwalking, according to sleep researchers. You might have inherited your propensity to sleepwalk, too. The following are some other antecedents of sleep-related dysfunction:
1) GERD: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
If you suffer from GERD, the contents of your abdomen may occasionally reflux up into your esophagus, giving you unpleasant burning pains. Several patients reported that their symptoms were worse at night. Due to the disruption of sleep caused by GERD, you may experience chronic fatigue, which increases your risk of experiencing bouts of sleepwalking.
2) Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease is a neurological illness that impairs movement in the body. As the condition worsens, the brain stem regions responsible for controlling both movement and sleep may be impacted.
To prevent you from acting on your thoughts and hurting yourself or others, your brain often momentarily paralyzes some muscles when you dream during REM sleep.
3) Restless Leg Syndrome
Whether or not restless leg syndrome (RLS) contributes to sleepwalking is a topic of discussion among sleep scientists. According to several studies, those who have RLS are less likely than others to sleepwalk. Some research suggests a link between sleepwalking and drugs prescribed to treat restless leg syndrome.
4) Respiratory Problems
A breathing disorder called obstructive sleep apnea makes you briefly stop breathing while you sleep. It goes beyond simply snoring.
Severe sleep apnea can cause daytime weariness, high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease, among other problems. It is more likely to occur in those with severe obstructive sleep apnea than in those with mild sleep apnea.
5) Being Sleep Deprived
Insufficient sleep makes people more prone to sleepwalking. Sleep deprivation was shown to boost the incidence of sleepwalking episodes, according to researchers who examined MRI brain scans of individuals with a history of the condition.
Symptoms and Treatment of Sleepwalking
After one to two hours of deep sleep, it frequently happens early in the night. Taking a nap is not likely to cause it. These episodes can happen infrequently or frequently, and while they typically last a few minutes, they can continue for longer. Individuals may:
- Leave their bed and go for a walk
- Open their eyes and sit up in bed
- Have an expression of glassy eyes and glazed glaze
- Not speak or respond to others
- Experience difficulties awakening during an episode
- Experience a brief period of confusion or disorientation when awake
- Fail to remember the incident when they woke up
- Have issues getting through the day due to sleep disturbances
- Experience night terrors
The most typical technique to identify this dysfunction is when someone else observes it for themselves. The majority of cases in children are reported to medical professionals by their parents because of this.
A sleep study may provide further information about your condition if your doctor is worried about your sleepwalking. Your medical team will monitor your blood oxygen levels, brain waves, respiration, and movements while you're sleeping throughout the sleep study.
If your disorder isn't severe, you might be able to stop it by lowering your everyday stress levels and developing better sleeping habits. If none of these approaches are effective enough, your doctor might suggest taking medication.
Children are more susceptible to this. Adults who have it are not uncommon either. Sometimes those who sleepwalk put both themselves and others in danger.
Prior sleep deprivation and elements that heighten arousal from sleep, such as alcohol and stress use, are common causes. Somnambulism can also be solved by creating a secure sleeping environment and following a regular sleep pattern.
Janvi Kapur is a counselor with a Master's degree in applied psychology with a specialization in clinical psychology.
What do you think of this story? Tell us in the comments section below.
