Related articles: Sleepwalking
Definition
Sleepwalking is a benign sleep disorder with a generally spontaneous resolution.
Sitting, walking and other movements or behaviors, sometimes even complex, can occur after and during awakening from stage 3 or 4 of non-REM sleep (NREM phase). In the course of sleepwalking episodes, usually, the patient is not aware of the surrounding environment and does not react to stimuli: despite the physical activity, the subject is actually continuing to sleep. Sleepwalkers can also speak or make incomprehensible sounds. All these activities are performed with open eyes. During the sleepwalking episode, it is not appropriate to try to wake up the subject, but it is important to avoid getting hurt, by moving him away from dangerous situations and objects.
The phenomenon mainly affects children, while it is rare that it occurs in adulthood.
Sleep deprivation and poor night rest hygiene increase the likelihood of these episodes occurring.
The causes of sleepwalking can be varied: sound or light stimulations during sleep, irregular sleep-wake rhythms, alcohol and / or drug abuse, fever, psychological distress and stress. A key role is also played by genetic factors: the risk of experiencing the disorder is higher for people who present at least one first-degree family member with the same problem.
The presence of respiratory disorders in sleep (eg sleep apnea) and some neurological diseases favor the appearance of sleepwalking. However, sometimes the causes remain unknown.
Possible Causes * of Sleepwalking
- Anxiety
- Night apnea
