Sleepwalking is mostly a behavioral disorder that originates during the first half of the night and the sleepwalker remains in deep sleep. When we sleep our brain causes both the conscious mind and our body to rest.
In case of sleepwalkers the total process goes awry. In medical term this disorder is called ‘somnambulism’ and it is considered as a state of parasomnia.
If we dig deeper scientifically about sleepwalking it is found that for sleepwalkers wake up and sleep are not mutually exclusive, instead they occur simultaneously.
Parts of the brain remains active, eyes remain open but the postural muscles are tensed & active without any clear, lucid consciousness. Over the centuries, sleepwalkers have been described as awake and asleep at the same time.
Sleepwalking involves a series of unusual behavior that are carried out while sleeping. It can include sitting up, confused looking around, getting off of the bed and ultimately walking away. A sleepwalker may even yell and they can navigate around furniture as their eyes remain open.
Oftentimes, sleepwalking may give rise to bizarre activities like urinating in wastebasket or closet, indecent sexual behaviors, climbing out a window in the middle of the night, going to the roof top etc.
More frighteningly, some somnambulists get in their cars and start to drive without considering lanes, stationary objects and stoplights, and, after waking up, having no memory of what they did.
Although ‘somnambulism’ is more common in children compared to adults but it is more dangerous if it happens to someone who is adult. Roughly, 10-15% people have been estimated as the victim of sleepwalking.
In case of treatment there is no specific one; sometimes only improving the sleep hygiene may eliminate the problem. Hypnosis can be a good treatment for sleepwalking in adults.
It is seen that in many instances sleepwalking adults have successfully treated their symptoms with hypnosis alone. Pharmacological therapies include sedative-hypnotics and antidepressants.
Considering the danger of sleepwalking people around the somnambulist should create a safe sleeping environment. This will eliminate the chance of an accident to a great extent.
For instance, if your child sleepwalks, don’t arrange a bunk bed for him/her. Remove sharp or breakable objects near the bed both in case of child and adult.
You can install gates on stairways and don’t forget to lock the doors & windows properly before going to sleep. Your little awareness can save a somnambulist’s life.
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