Sleepwalking

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Sleepwalking as the name implies is the phenomenon when a person walks in his or her sleep and seldom has idea about his/her adventure. This situation often can lead to troubles for the sleepwalker where they are at injury risk as well social stigma risk. Sleepwalking involves more than just walking during sleep. It includes a series of complex behaviors which are displayed by the individual while sleeping – and can include walking, talking, driving, etc. It is necessary for a person who is sleepwalking to be woken up. It can be very dangerous of the person meets an accident during sleep walking.
The phenomenon is seen in about 1-15% of individuals and it can be present without any precondition or underlying issue. Some of the common triggers due to which sleepwalking occurs include sleep deprivation, excessive alcohol intake, certain medications side effects, etc.

Causes and occurrence of sleepwalking

The age of 3 to 7 in children is a time when they are more prone to sleepwalking. It is also seen in kids who have sleep apnea. Sleep terrors and sleepwalking more or less occurs together and they run in families as well.

There are about 4-5 cycles of sleep stages in the whole night. The full stages contain 5 separate phases in these cycles. The stage 3 and stage 4 is the phase when sleepwalking can occur. It's very difficult for someone to wake up at these stages. The person is groggy and disoriented for several minutes when awakened at this stage.

If a sleepwalker talks as well, most of his talks will not make any sense.

Generally, sleepwalking runs into families with cases of brothers, parents, grandparents, etc. suffering from this together. Twins are more likely to sleepwalk. The chances of one sleepwalking increases 10 times, if there is someone else in the family who is sleepwalking.
There are some other reasons such as sleep deprivation, chaotic sleep schedule, stress, alcohol, etc. which can lead to sleepwalking.

Cure of Sleepwalking

Certain sedative and hypnotics which stimulates relaxation, neuroleptics, stimulants and antihistamines can help cure sleepwalking.