Many people ask “what is sleepwalking” and the definition of sleepwalking (known also as
What Is Sleepwalking?
somnambulism) is where someone gets out of bed, walks around and appears to be awake. This may only involve a few steps, lasting a few moments but in some cases, it could actually continue for quite some time, with them moving from room to room and functioning as though they are fully awake. Its sometimes possible to have a conversation with the sleepwalker but you can usually tell from their glazed staring eyes that they are not fully conscious and when they eventually get back to sleep and wake up as normal in the morning they have no memory of their sleepwalking encounter.
Children can be susceptible to sleepwalking but they usually grow out if it eventually. There are no magic cures as such and therefore, understanding the disorder is important so that you can at least try to take preventative measures.
What is Sleepwalking – Symptoms, Causes and Solutions
1. One of the factors that causes sleepwalking is generally considered to be genetic and therefore it follows that if a relative, is or has been, suffering from this sleep disorder then there is a chance of it happening to you, your children or someone else in your close family.
2. When sleepwalking occurs in children, be aware that stress can be a factor. Stress and anxiety doesn’t just affect adults, children will often worry deeply about things like schoolwork for example that adults would consider trivial but a child’s worries can be the trigger for this condition, so its important to get to the root cause.
3. There are numerous triggers that can set off a sleepwalking episode, insomnia, stress and certain types of medication can be the culprits. In adults, too much alcohol can also increase the likelihood of a sleepwalking episode.
4. Because stress is high on the list as a sleepwalking trigger, its important to learn some techniques to help you unwind and relax. A good one to consider is yoga because it teaches established relaxation techniques that should help. You could also try playing some calming music in your bedroom when you first go to bed and also reading a book providing it is not to stimulating.
5. There are also many effective natural remedies on the market designed to help you to drift off to sleep which will improve your sleeping pattern and reduce the chances of waking in the night. Try a cup of warm herbal tea before you retire for the night and remember not to eat a large meal just before you go to bed.
6. What about trying hypnosis? It has helped many people who suffer from a variety of phobias and problems including the sleep disorder, sleepwalking. Your Doctor would be able to recommend an established and qualified Hypnotherapist.
If your question “what is sleepwalking” has not been answered here then please talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have tried to remedy the symptoms and causes of sleepwalking but the condition persists
