Sleepwalking

To some, sleeping and walking should be considered a sport. When you mix them both together to get sleepwalking, that’s where things get complicated. Sleepwalking is a disorder that occurs when a person walks or does another activity while they are still asleep. (Sleep Walking, 2010). Sleepwalking happens in different stages. Sleep consist of two stages REM and NREM. REM is rapid eye movement. NREM is non-rapid eye movement. NREM is further divided into four stages: stage 1 a light sleep period, stage 2 a consolidated sleep period, and stage 3 and 4 are slow wave sleep periods. (WebMD, Sleepwalking-Stages). Sleepwalking usually occurs during the slow wave stages. When delta activity, a high amplitude brain wave, reaches over 50% then stage four is scored. When individuals sleep walk they may look as if they are awake. Actually they even, walk around, or even do complex activities such as changing cloths, moving furniture, and even going to the bathroom. (Sleepwalking, 2010). Each episode is brief, lasting for only a few seconds or even minutes. Sleepwalkers will go back to sleep, but may fall asleep in a different or unusual place. (Sleepwalking, 2010). Symptoms will vary, depending on the sleepwalker. Many symptoms include, open eyes during sleep, blank look on face, walking, and some talking during sleep. (Sleepwalking, 2010). The act of sleep walking occurs more commonly in children than in adults. In children, 4-8 years of age is the peak age for sleepwalking to occur. (Sleepwalking-Children). Only 4% of adults sleepwalk, compared to the 17% in children. (Sleepwalking-Adults). Children generally outgrow the tendency by the time they reach adolescence. (Sleep Med, 2004). There is no cure for sleepwalking, only precautions that can be taken. Many misconceptions about sleepwalking are that the sleepwalker should not be awaken. It isn’t dangerous to wake a sleepwalker, although they may be unaware they are, or confused for a short period of time. (Sleepwalking, 2010). Sleepwalking may even be brought on by environmental factors, such as stress, irregular and chaotic sleep schedules, and sleep deprivation. (WebMD, Sleepwalking-Factors). Sleepwalking is not associated with other sleep problems, sleeping alone in a room or with others, fear of the dark, or anger outbursts. (WebMD, Sleepwalking-Causes). Works Cited. Google Health. (2010). Sleep Walking. https://health.google.com/health/ref/Sleepwalking Sleep Med. (2004). Sleep Walking & Sleep Eating. http://www.sleepmedonline.com/res/disorders/walking.htm Family Doctor. (2010). Sleep Walking in Children & Adults. http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/children/parents/special/common/160.html WebMD. (2010). Sleep Walking & disorders. http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/guide/sleepwalking-causes