by bjw williams

Created on: February 15, 2007   Last Updated: May 05, 2007

sleepwalking is a sleeping disorder when a person walks or does other activitie while sleeping. the correct medical term sor sleepwalking is somnambulism. sleep walking usually occurs in the third or forth stage of REM sleep which is about three to four hours after falling asleep.

unlike what most people believe sleep walking does not always mean tha a person is walking.there are many diffrent common activities people do during sleepwalking such as sitting up and appearing awake, getting up and walking aroud, moving furniture, going to the bathroom, undressing and dressing,etc. .one of the most dangerouse activity many peopl d when sleep walking is driving there car.sleep walking periods can range from a few seconds to about forty five minutes.

there are many common myths of sleepwalking such as you should not wake a sleepwalking person. this is false. the only problem with waking up a person sleepwalking is they may become confused ofcorse wouldnt you be too iuf you woke up standing somewhere strange or even just somewhere you wernt before when falling asleep. another myth is people cannot be injured when sleepwalking. just imagine people can trip over things and even fall down the stairs.

"Prevention

Avoid the use of alcohol or central nervous system depressants if prone to sleep walking.

Avoid fatigue or insomnia, because this can instigate an episode of sleepwalking.

Avoid or minimize stress, anxiety, and conflict, which can worsen the condition.

Symptoms

Eyes open during sleep

May have blank facial expression

May sit up and appear awake during sleep

Walking during sleep

Any sort of detailed activity during sleep

No recall of the event upon awaking

Confusion, disorientation on awakening

Sleep talking is incomprehensible and non-purposeful

Usually, no further examination and testing are 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.

Causes
In children, the cause is usually unknown but may also be related to fatigue, prior sleep loss, or anxiety. In adults, sleepwalking is usually associated with a disorder of the mind but may also be seen with reactions to drugs and/or medications and alcohol, and medical conditions such as partial complex seizures. In the elderly, sleepwalking may be a symptom of an organic

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