Sleepwalking can be problematic for not only the sleepwalker themselves but for anyone living with them. Erratic night time behavior can leave the walker exhausted, never really getting a deep sleep and the person or people around them sleepless and on edge.
The term sleepwalking seems simple enough. It implies that the person simply wanders around the house at night in a daze. That isn’t always the full case. People have been known to eat odd items, have conversations, perform odd behaviors, try and drive, and at times even become violent.
Sleepwalking can go undiagnosed for years if no one is there to witness the events. The sleepwalker may notice things in their home seem to be moved or left out but not correlate it to sleep events and even rather to possible memory issues. If there is a witness, sleepwalking is hard to ignore.
A genetic element has been pinpointed in this condition. If you have other relatives that sleepwalk, it is 10x more likely that you may as well.
What causes sleepwalking behavior other than genetics: being sleep deprived, not having a normalized sleep schedule, living in a stressful environment that doesn’t seem to be resolving itself, drinking excessively, or taking prescription medications (sedatives, neuroleptics, stimulants and even antihistamines).
Certain medical conditions have also been linked to sleepwalking. They may include, but are not limited to:
- Heart Problems
- Nighttime asthma
- Fever
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Heartburn
- Restless leg syndrome
- Psychiatric disorders (dissociative states, multiple personality disorder, panic attacks, PTSD)
If you have a sleepwalker in the home the most important thing is to keep a safe environment. Lock doors and windows, place an alarm bell on the bedroom door, sleep on the ground floor, limit stress and meditate or take part in relaxation exercises. If sleepwalker is extreme, locking up car keys and sharp objects may also be a good idea.
Living with a sleepwalker can be disarming. They are erratic and you never know exactly what to expect, if an event will happen or you will get a good night’s rest. Getting help is key for all involved to be able to live a rested peaceful life.
Sleep studies can be done to diagnose the exact issue. This can help to rule out if the condition is stemming from the physical or from emotional or mental. The condition can generally be treated fairly effectively with relaxation techniques and or certain medications.
To find a sleep specialist in Lee County, Florida please visit the Independent Physicians Association of Lee County by visiting www.ipalc.org/find.