Sleepwalking

Definition

Sleepwalking, also known as somnambulism, is a sleep disorder characterized by the occurrence of complex behaviors, such as walking or performing other activities, while the individual is still asleep. It is a parasomnia, a type of sleep disorder involving undesirable experiences or behaviors that occur during sleep.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sleepwalking is most common in children, with an estimated prevalence of 10-30% in this age group, but it can also occur in adults.
2. Sleepwalking episodes typically occur during the first third of the night, when NREM sleep is most predominant.
3. Factors that can trigger or increase the likelihood of sleepwalking include stress, sleep deprivation, certain medications, and medical conditions.
4. Sleepwalking can be dangerous, as individuals may engage in risky behaviors, such as wandering outside or using sharp objects, while in a state of impaired consciousness.
5. Treatment for sleepwalking may include lifestyle changes, such as improving sleep hygiene, as well as medication in severe or persistent cases.

Review Questions

• Explain the relationship between sleepwalking and the stages of sleep.
  • Sleepwalking is most commonly associated with the non-rapid eye movement (NREM) stage of sleep, particularly the deeper, slow-wave stages of NREM sleep. During this stage, the brain is in a state of reduced consciousness and activity, which can lead to the occurrence of complex behaviors, such as walking, while the individual remains asleep. The transition between NREM sleep and wakefulness can be disrupted in individuals who experience sleepwalking episodes.
• Analyze the potential risks and dangers associated with sleepwalking.
  • Sleepwalking can pose significant risks and dangers, as individuals who are sleepwalking are in a state of impaired consciousness and may engage in risky behaviors. They may wander outside, use sharp objects, or perform other potentially hazardous activities without being fully aware of their actions. This can lead to physical injuries, such as falls or accidents, as well as the possibility of harming themselves or others. Additionally, sleepwalking episodes can disrupt the sleep of the individual and their household, potentially leading to sleep deprivation and other health consequences.
• Evaluate the various factors that can contribute to the development and persistence of sleepwalking.
  • Sleepwalking can be influenced by a combination of genetic, physiological, and environmental factors. Genetic predisposition plays a role, as sleepwalking tends to run in families. Physiological factors, such as hormonal imbalances, sleep disorders, and certain medical conditions, can also increase the likelihood of sleepwalking. Environmental factors, such as stress, sleep deprivation, and the use of certain medications, can trigger or exacerbate sleepwalking episodes. Understanding and addressing these contributing factors is crucial for the effective management and prevention of sleepwalking, as it allows for the implementation of targeted interventions and lifestyle modifications to reduce the occurrence and impact of this sleep disorder.

Related terms

Parasomnias: Parasomnias are a category of sleep disorders that involve abnormal movements, behaviors, emotions, perceptions, and dreams that occur during sleep.

Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) Sleep: Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) sleep is the type of sleep during which sleepwalking typically occurs, as it is a deep, slow-wave stage of sleep.

Sleep Stages: The sleep cycle consists of different stages, including NREM sleep, during which sleepwalking episodes are most likely to happen.