Sleepwalking, also known as somnambulism, is a type of parasomnia involving abnormal movements during deep non-REM sleep. These episodes can range from sitting up in bed to performing complex tasks such as leaving the house, creating significant safety concerns. While sleepwalking typically occurs in children, it can also affect adults, especially those with disrupted sleep patterns or underlying sleep disorders.
At Bogan Sleep Consultants in Columbia, SC, we specialize in diagnosing and treating parasomnias such as sleepwalking. Our team, led by Dr. Richard K. Bogan and Dr. Laura B. Herpel offers advanced sleep medicine care tailored to each patient’s needs. If you or a loved one experiences sleepwalking, we're here to help you stay safe and sleep better.
Let’s explore the causes of sleepwalking, how to prevent episodes, and when to seek professional care.
What Causes Sleepwalking? Understanding the Triggers
Sleepwalking, also known as somnambulism, is a type of arousal disorder that involves abnormal movements or behaviors during deep, non-REM sleep. While it’s most common in children, sleepwalking can affect adults as well. Understanding sleepwalking causes is the first step in learning how to stop sleepwalking and keep your family safe.
Common causes and triggers of sleepwalking include:
- Sleep deprivation: Not getting enough sleep or poor sleep quality can trigger sleepwalking episodes.
- Family history: Genetics plays a role; people with a family member who sleepwalks are at higher risk.
- Stress and anxiety: High stress levels or major life changes can increase the likelihood of sleepwalking.
- Fever or illness: Especially in children, illness can disrupt the sleep cycle and lead to episodes.
- Underlying sleep disorders: Conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, or other sleep disorders can increase the risk.
- Medications or substances: Certain sleep aids, sedatives, or even alcohol may trigger sleepwalking.
- Irregular sleep schedule: Changes in bedtime or frequent travel can disrupt the sleep cycle and trigger sleepwalking episodes.
Sleepwalking typically occurs in the first half of the night during deep sleep, when the brain is not fully awake but the body is capable of movement.
Safety Precautions: How to Prevent Sleepwalking Injuries at Home
Because sleepwalking episodes can involve wandering, leaving the house, or even dangerous activities, safety is a top priority. Here are steps to help prevent sleepwalking injuries:
- Lock doors and windows: Use door alarms or childproof locks to prevent nighttime adventures outside.
- Remove tripping hazards: Clear the floor of clutter, sharp objects, and loose rugs.
- Avoid bunk beds: Especially for children, as falls from height can be dangerous.
- Secure car keys and sharp objects: Keep keys, knives, and other potentially dangerous items out of reach.
- Install safety gates: Especially near stairs or hazardous areas.
- Consider door alarms: These can alert you if a sleepwalking person tries to leave their room.
- Bed partner awareness: Inform family members and bed partners about sleepwalking to help monitor for episodes.
Never try to forcibly wake a sleepwalking person; instead, gently guide them back to bed to avoid confusion or agitation.
Behavioral and Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Sleepwalking
Making certain lifestyle adjustments can help reduce the frequency and severity of sleepwalking episodes:
- Maintain a consistent sleep schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day to support a healthy sleep cycle.
- Improve sleep hygiene: Create a relaxing bedtime routine, avoid screens before bed, and ensure your sleep environment is quiet and comfortable.
- Manage stress: Practice relaxation exercises, deep breathing, or take a warm bath before bed to lower stress levels.
- Avoid sleep deprivation: Ensure you get enough sleep each night to prevent episodes triggered by exhaustion.
- Limit alcohol and sedatives: These substances can disrupt deep sleep and trigger sleepwalking.
- Keep a sleep diary: Track your or your loved one’s sleepwalking symptoms, triggers, and sleep habits to share with your sleep specialist.
Medical Treatment Options for Sleepwalking
If sleepwalking episodes are frequent, severe, or result in dangerous behaviors, it’s important to seek medical evaluation. Sleepwalking treatment may include:
- Evaluation by a sleep specialist: A thorough medical history and, if needed, a sleep study (polysomnography) in a sleep lab to identify underlying sleep disorders.
- Treating underlying conditions: Managing sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, or other sleep disorders can reduce sleepwalking.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Behavioral therapy can help address stress, anxiety, or other triggers.
- Scheduled awakening: Waking the person shortly before the typical time of sleepwalking can help prevent episodes.
- Medication: In some cases, medications may be prescribed, but these are usually reserved for severe cases.
- Remote patient monitoring: At Bogan Sleep Consultants, we offer ongoing support and monitoring for patients with complex sleepwalking symptoms.
Local Sleep Clinics in Columbia, SC: Where to Get Help
If you or a loved one is struggling with sleepwalking, expert help is available locally. Bogan Sleep Consultants is Columbia’s premier sleep medicine clinic, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of sleepwalking, nightmares, sleep terrors, and other parasomnias.
- Comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis
- Personalized treatment plans
- On-site sleep lab and advanced monitoring
- Remote patient monitoring for ongoing support
- Education and support for families
Why Choose Dr. Bogan and Dr. Herpel?
Dr. Richard K. Bogan and Dr. Laura B. Herpel are board-certified sleep medicine specialists with decades of experience helping patients in Columbia, SC, achieve better sleep. At Bogan Sleep Consultants, you’ll find:
- A dedicated team focused on accurate diagnosis and long-term management
- Expertise in treating sleepwalking and related sleep disorders
- A patient-centered approach that involves and educates you every step of the way
- Access to the latest treatments, sleep studies, and remote monitoring
Choose Expert Help for Peaceful Nights
Sleepwalking typically starts in childhood, but for many, it doesn’t stop there. If you or a loved one is experiencing episodes that impact safety or sleep quality, it’s time to seek specialized care. At Bogan Sleep Consultants, we offer effective, compassionate treatment to help you sleep more securely.
Ready to get started? Schedule your appointment today or call us at (803) 251-3093 to learn more about our parasomnia services in Columbia, SC.
