Sleepwalking (cont.)
What are symptoms of sleepwalking?
- eyes open during sleep
- may have blank facial expression
- may sit up and appear
awake during sleep
- walking during sleep
- other detailed activity during sleep,
any sort
- no recall of the event upon awaking
- confusion, disorientation on
awakening
- sleep talking is incomprehensible and non-purposeful
What are the signs and tests for sleepwalking?
Usually, no further examination and testing is necessary. If sleepwalking is
frequent or persistent, examination to rule out other disorders (such as partial
complex seizures) may be appropriate. It may also be appropriate to undergo a
psychologic evaluation to determine causes such as excessive anxiety or stress,
or medical evaluation to rule out other causes.
What is the treatment for sleepwalking?
Usually no specific treatment for sleepwalking is needed.
Safety measures may be necessary to prevent injury. This may include
modifying the environment by moving objects such as electrical cords or
furniture to reduce tripping and falling. Stairways may need to be blocked off
with a gate.
In some cases, short-acting tranquilizers have been helpful in reducing the
incidence of sleepwalking.
What is the prognosis of sleepwalking?
Sleepwalking may or may not reduce with age. It usually does not indicate a
serious disorder, although it can be a symptom of other disorders.
What are the complications of sleepwalking?
A complication is injury sustained during sleep activities.
Calling your
health care provider
Sleepwalking usually does not require a visit to your health care provider.
However, the condition should be discussed with your health care provider if:
- Sleepwalking is accompanied by other symptoms.
- Sleepwalking is frequent or
persistent.
- Sleepwalking includes potentially dangerous activities (such as
driving).
How can I prevent sleepwalking?
- Avoid the use of alcohol or central nervous system depressants if prone to
sleepwalking.
- Avoid fatigue or insomnia, because this can instigate an episode
of sleepwalking.
- Avoid or minimize stress, anxiety, and conflict, which can
worsen the condition.
Source: National Institutes of Health (www.nih.gov)
Last Editorial Review: 9/28/2004
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