How to Stop Sleepwalking Through Life

Sleepwalking is a disorder that causes people to walk around while sleeping. It is a common disorder that is mostly found in children but can last into adulthood. There is no known way to cure it, but it can be minimized. It usually occurs when the person is in the deep stages of sleep, and can be as simple as walking around or as intense as falling or running. The person does not remember the episode, nor will they be coherent during it. There are a number of causes, including stress, anxiety, genetics, sleep deprivation, alcohol intoxication or a medical condition. It is not only an undesirable trait, but can lead to serious injury.

Instructions

• 1

  Determine the cause of sleepwalking. Medical treatments will be necessary if your sleepwalking is caused by a medical condition, such as sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome or gastroesophageal reflux. Proper diagnosis and tests will be needed to determine if you need medical treatment. Other causes, such as stress, alcohol intoxication or abnormal sleep patterns will need to be determined accordingly.

• 2

  Get adequate amounts of sleep. This seems like an obvious step, but seven to nine hours of sleep per night is the proper amount to help you function better throughout the day. Lack of sleep causes many other health problems in addition to stress and anxiety. Certain steps can be taken for a sound night of sleep. Limit caffeine up to eight hours before bedtime, and avoid eating a large meal right before sleeping. Limit any intense exercise right before bed, and limit the use of any stimuli, such as loud noises, a TV screen or a computer screen.

• 3

  Reduce stress. It is one of the main causes of sleepwalking in adulthood. Ways to reduce stress and anxiety include daily exercise, proper diet, meditation practices and adequate amounts of sleep. By doing so, other areas of your life will improve as well.

• 4

  Keep a safe environment where you sleep. Even when sleepwalking episodes happen less and less, it is important to take some precautions. Keep your area free from sharp objects, sleep on the ground floor if possible, lock your doors and windows, and if it happens nightly, use an alarm on your doors and windows.