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Sleepwalking Cures

Sleepwalking -- also called somnambulism or noctambulism -- is a sleep disorder most common in children 4 to 12 years of age, although some adults are prone to it as well. Contrary to popular belief, sleepwalking does not necessarily indicate a psychological or neurological disorder; it may be related to stress, sleep deprivation, fatigue or some medications. A childhood sleepwalker usually outgrows the problem on his own, but treatment options are available for extreme cases.

  1. Diagnosis Confusion

    • In some instances, adult sleepwalking accompanies another sleep disorder, such as obstructive sleep apnea, or it may be caused by medications used to treat other problems like depression or insomnia. Occasionally, seizures are confused for mild sleepwalking as well. Having a sleep expert treat and diagnose the real problems appropriately often cures the sleepwalking.

    Safeguards and Habits

    • Usually treatment for sleepwalking is limited to ensuring the safety of an individual's environment. If possible, have the sleepwalker sleep on the first floor of a home. Block stairways with gates, lock away weapons and sharp objects, and consider employing motion sensors with alarms. Securely lock any external doors and windows. As preventative measures, have the sleepwalker avoid alcohol and certain medications before bedtime, keep regular sleep schedules, avoid stress, and cover bedroom windows with heavy curtains to reduce noise and light.

    Advance Awakening

    • By keeping a record of a sleepwalker's events, a companion or family member may sometimes tell what time of night a person typically sleepwalks. Usually these events happen earlier in the sleep cycle, rather than later. Wake the sleepwalker each night about 15 minutes before an event normally occurs, and keep her awake for the length of time the event normally lasts. After a few weeks of these awakenings, episodes often become less frequent or cease altogether.

    Therapy

    • Sleep experts sometimes employ hypnosis and biofeedback to treat somnambulism. Although medications like benzodiazepine and tricyclic antidepressants may alleviate the problem, there are side effects associated with the drugs. Doctors hesitate to prescribe them unless sleepwalking episodes are frequent, particularly disruptive or violent.

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