Seven Castles

Sleepwalking

                                      

September 3, 2006

 

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. How far will a sleepwalker go in carrying out his or her dreams or acting out a nightmare? 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. Contrary to popular belief, most cases of sleepwalking do not consist of walking around. Most cases of somnambulism occur when the person is woken up, the person may sit up, look around and immediately go back to sleep. But these kinds of incidence are rarely noticed or reported unless recorded in a sleep clinic.

 

It is a common misconception that a sleepwalker should not be awakened. In fact, it can be quite dangerous not to wake a sleepwalker. In fact, sleepwalkers engage in their activities with their eyes open so they can navigate their surroundings, not with their eyes closed and their arms outstretched as parodied in cartoons and Hollywood productions. The victims' eyes may have a glazed or empty appearance and if questioned, the subject will be slow to answer and will be unable to respond in an intelligible manner.

 

Medical reports show about 18% of the population is prone to sleepwalking. Why do people sleepwalk? Common triggers for sleepwalking include sleep deprivation, sedative agents (including alcohol), febrile illnesses, and certain medications.

 

Sleepwalking can affect people of any age, but 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. Boys are more likely to sleepwalk than girls. The children may feel embarrassment, shame, guilt, anxiety and confusion when they are told about their sleepwalking behavior. It is important to handle the child's feelings about sleepwalking with care.

 

【作者: zhangliping】【访问统计:】【2006年09月3日 星期日 06:27】【 加入博采】【打印】