What is sleepwalking and why do people do it?

Sleepwalking is a condition in which you wake up and walk while you are asleep. Your doctor may diagnose it as somnambulism.

This usually happens when you switch from deep sleep to light sleep or when you wake up. When you fall asleep, you cannot respond and can not remember normally. You can talk and not understand what you are saying.

Sleepwalking is most common in children between the ages of four and eight. Adults can too.

It is important to establish a safe environment when sleeping at home. Arrange the gates at the top of the stairs, close the doors and windows and move the sharp objects. If you or your loved one has trouble falling asleep, consult a sleep specialist.

Characteristics of SleepWalking

A sleepwalker can do the following:

• Walk carefully around their room.
• 'Escape' or attempt to escape.
• Has attractive appearance and wide eyes.
• Respond slowly to inquiries or do not respond at all.
• I do not remember walking in my sleep.
• If they wake up at a show, shame happens.

Causes and risk factors of sleepwalking

Sleepwalking can occur for a variety of reasons.

It runs in your family. Sleepwalking is common in identical twins. If your parents, brother, or sister are sleepwalkers, you are 10 times more likely to fall asleep than those who come from a home where no one sleeps.

According to many types of research, children who do sleepwalk are more restless by the age of 4 to 5 and are more restless by waking up more often at night.

It is also possible that you will sleepwalk if you do:

• Sleep-deprived
• In an irregular sleep pattern
• Stressed
• Doing sedative-hypnotics (drugs that help you relax or sleep), neuroleptics (drugs used to treat psychosis), stimulants (drugs that increase activity), and antihistamines (used to treat allergic symptoms)
• Sleepwalking is associated with the following medical conditions:
• Heart rhythm problem
• Fever
• Stomach irritation
• Nocturnal asthma
• Night tour
• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a type of sleep apnea (when you stop breathing for a while during sleep)
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Mental illnesses such as PTSD, panic attacks, or dissociative states such as multiple personality disorder

Sleepwalking diagnosis

The diagnosis of sleepwalking is usually straightforward. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and your medical history. They may need to perform some tests to find out if any medical issues may be causing you to fall asleep. These tests may include the following:

Physical examination

Sleep research (polysomnography). You will spend the night in the sleep lab, where specialists will monitor your heart rate, brain waves, and activity.

EEG This is unusual. If your doctor thinks you are sleeping because of a serious illness, you may need a test that checks your brain activity.

Treatment for sleepwalking

Sleepwalking rarely requires medical intervention. It is often caused by lack of sleep, severe mental problems, stress, or fever. Sleepwalking ends when these conditions improve.

Stopping sleepwalking is as easy as changing some lifestyle behaviors. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule and nighttime soothing rituals. Avoid drinking alcohol or using drugs. Regardless of whether you are taking medication or not, consult your doctor to find out if this is a factor.

Medications such as hypnosis or antidepressants or narcotics can be used as part of your treatment.

Sleepwalking usually stops when a child reaches puberty. However, it can continue until maturity or even begin in adulthood.