sleepwalkings basics!

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BASICS:

Sleepwalking, formally known as somnambulism, is a behavior disorder

that originates during deep sleep and results in walking or

performing other complex behaviors while asleep. It is much more

common in children than adults and is more likely to occur if a

person is sleep deprived. Because a sleepwalker typically remains in

deep sleep throughout the episode, he or she may be difficult to

awaken and will probably not remember the sleepwalking incident.

Sleepwalking usually involves more than just walking during sleep;

it is a series of complex behaviors that are carried out while

sleeping, the most obvious of which is walking. Symptoms of

sleepwalking disorder range from simply sitting up in bed and

looking around, to walking around the room or house, to leaving the

house and even driving long distances. It is a common misconception

that a sleepwalker should not be awakened. In fact, it can be quite

dangerous not to wake a sleepwalker.

The prevalence of sleepwalking in the general population is

estimated to be between 1% and 15%. The onset or persistence of

sleepwalking in adulthood is common, and is usually not associated

with any significant underlying psychiatric or psychological

problems. Common triggers for sleepwalking include sleep

deprivation, sedative agents (including alcohol), febrile illnesses,

and certain medications.

The prevalence of sleepwalking is much higher for children,

especially those between the ages of three and seven, and occurs

more often in children with obstructive sleep apnea. There is also a

higher instance of sleepwalking among children who wet the bed.

Sleep terrors are a related disorder and both tend to run in

families.

http://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleeptionary/index.php?id=22