SLEEPWALKERS

Sleepwalking also known as somnambulism is a sleep disorder that is categorized with the parasomina family.  Sleepwalkers can perform a variety of activities while asleep, from simply sitting up in bed to more complex behavior such as housecleaning or driving a car. Individuals in this trancelike state are difficult to rouse, and if awoken they are often confused and unaware of the events that have taken place. Sleepwalking most often occurs during childhood, perhaps because children spend more time in the “deep sleep” phase of slumber. Physical activity only happens during the non–rapid eye movement (NREM) cycle of deep sleep, which precedes the dreaming state of REM sleep.

Why Do People Sleepwalk?

Genetic factors:

If either your Mom or Dad experiences sleep walking its a greater possibility that the gene was past down to you.  Also identical twins are 10 times more likely to sleepwalk if a first degree relative has the same problem as well.

Environmental Factors:

Depending on some sleepwalkers environmental situations it causes them to sleep walk. Below are some examples of environmental conditions that cause sleepwalking in the night.

- High amounts of stress

- Large consumption of alcohol

- Sleep Deprivation

- Taking certian types of drugs such as sedatives,antihistamines and stimulants can increaces the chances of sleepwalking

Medical Conditions:

It has been known that serious medical conditions increase the chance to sleepwalk at night. Below are some of the reasons why you might sleepwalk due to medical factors.

- High fever

- People who experience night-time convulsions (fits)

- Magnesium deficiency

Psychological Factors:

If you suffer from some psychological conditions are at greater risk to  sleepwalk during the middle of the night.  If you sleepwalk and have medical or psychological problems please contact your physician.

- Psychiatric disorders such as  PTSD (Post Tramatic Stress Disorder)

- Anxiety or  panic attacks,

- Multiple personality disorder

- Hereditary might run in your family

- Women who are pregnant and during menstruation

- Increased depth of slow wave sleep

WHO SUFFERS?

 You're more likely to sleepwalk if you're sleep deprived as you fall into a deep sleep more quickly. Some people say that the hormonal ups and downs of puberty, being pregnant and even having your period increase the chances of sleepwalking too. Stress is also a trigger - perhaps because your body finds it difficult to rest - and drinking alcohol can also lead to sleepwalking.

 Children are most likely to sleepwalk as they spend more of the night in deep sleep when sleepwalking generally occurs. If your child sleepwalks, it's likely you or a member of you family also did so when you were children. The good news is that children tend to grow out of it. If you started sleepwalking after the age of nine, however, there's a higher chance you'll still be sleepwalking in adulthood.

 Adult sleepwalking is more serious as it's often more extreme, and you're more likely to hurt yourself. One study of adult sleepwalkers found that 19% had been injured while sleepwalking. In the US, sleepwalkers are not allowed in the armed services, partly because of the threat they pose to themselves and others when they have access to dangerous equipment (such as weapons) and are unaware of what they are doing when they sleepwalk.

HOW IS IT TREATED?

 If sleepwalking is not causing any problems and happens only occasionally, then nothing needs to be done. If it's getting you down, you need to tackle the cause. If it's triggered by alcohol, cut down and try not to drink after ten 0'clock. If you're sleep deprived or stressed, deal with these, then the sleepwalking will probably stop. See your doctor about stress management techniques, counselling and relaxation exercises. The complementary therapies biofeedback, which teaches you to control various body functions, and hypnosis have been successful for sleepwalkers. As a last resort, talk to your doctor about drugs such as benzodiazepines, which can treat sleepwalking by relaxing your muscles and preventing movement.