Night Rider

SLEEPWALKING is one of the spookiest experiences one can have, whether as a witness or the one actually affected. To see someone unresponsiv...

SLEEPWALKING is one of the spookiest experiences one can have, whether as a witness or the one actually affected. To see someone unresponsive, yet mobile is as unnerving as waking up in a location different from one8217;s bed. But the condition affects one person in 10 at least once in their lifetime.

What does somnambulism mean?
It8217;s the term used to describe a sleep disorder that involves getting up from bed and moving around or engaging in activity while seemingly asleep. 8216;8216;The affected person is unaware of his behaviour. In fact, being unaware of the surroundings is the hallmark of the disorder,8217;8217; says Dr Jitendra Nagpal, senior psychiatrist at Vimhans, New Delhi.

Why does a person sleepwalk?
The causes could range from the neurological to the psychological. Some experts say somnambulists miss out on the paralysing chemical triggered by sleep in regular sleepers. Others associate it with fits. However, psychological causes are more common.

8216;8216;Sleepwalking usually affects people who are undergoing an emotional upheaval. An unresolved problem can manifest itself in such behaviour,8217;8217; says Dr Nagpal. Talking in one8217;s sleep is also common in such circumstances.

The common causes:
8226; Fatigue not to be confused with drowsiness, stress and
anxiety, all of which apply to children as well
8226; Reactions to drugs/medication/alcohol
8226; Medical conditions, such as partial complex seizures
8226; Emotional stress

What does it involve?
Though commonly referred to as sleepwalking, somnambulism could be as simple as sitting up and appearing awake or as complex as driving a car. In between these are walking around, moving furniture, going to the bathroom, dressing and undressing and similar habitual activities. Each episode could last from a few seconds to 30 minutes or even longer.

Is one phase of sleep more susceptible to sleepwalking than another?
Somnambulism usually occurs in the non-REM rapid eye movement period, that is during deep, dreamless sleep. Everyone undergoes several cycles of non-REM and REM sleep during a night, but most episodes of sleepwalking are reported early in the night or again towards the morning.

Is age a factor?

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A.m. Alert

If you have a sleepwalker at home8230;
8226;Ensure he gets plenty of rest. Over-tiredness can trigger somnambulism
8226;Develop a calming bedtime ritual, such as meditation or relaxation exercises
8226;Remove everything, including furniture that could be hazardous or harmful, from the bedroom
8226;The sleepwalker8217;s bedroom should be on the ground floor
8226;Install alarms on doors or windows to eliminate the possibility of an inadvertent exit

Sleepwalking can happen at any age, but it is most common in the six to 12 age group. Boys are more likely to sleepwalk than girls, and a family history increases the chances considerably.

Does sleepwalking have any kind of adverse effect?
Apart from physical injury8212;tripping or losing balance are common8212;the sleepwalker may wake up to feel embarrassment, shame, guilt, anxiety and confusion. Amnesia is another possibility: Sleepwalkers usually cannot remember the episode, but may recall a memory of trying to escape a dangerous situation, such as a fire or a roof collapse.

8216;8216;Usually, though, all a sleepwalker will wake up to in the morning is a feeling of fatigue or inexplicable tiredness,8217;8217; says Dr Nagpal.

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Is it okay to awaken a sleepwalker?
Yes, as long as it is done gently and sympathetically. The somnambulist will be disoriented and confused for a short while on waking up.

Is there any treatment for somnambulists?
If the episodes are frequent, professional help is advised. Sleepwalking can be treated with drugs and psychotherapy; counselling, too, is very important. Non-addictive pills can be prescribed.