How to Determine the Cause of Sleepwalking
Sleepwalking can include anything from walking around your home to driving your car. It typically occurs during deep sleep stages. People who sleepwalk usually have a wide-eyed stare, aren't responsive and can't recall their episodes when they awaken. The following steps can help you discover the causes of your sleepwalking.
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Instructions
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Note any genetic tendencies in your family. Sleepwalking is 10 times more prevalent if a first degree family member suffers from the disorder. It also is present more frequently in twins.
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Notice any potential environmental factors, such as sleep deprivation, abnormal sleep cycles, stress, fever or a deficiency in magnesium.
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Look for signs of episodes during alcohol intoxication or certain drug use. Drugs such as antihistamines, stimulants, minor tranquilizers, sedatives or neuroleptics can cause sleepwalking.
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Know that physiological factors can cause sleepwalking such as pregnancy or menstruation. In children, the duration and depth of deep sleep stages are higher. This may explain why sleepwalking occurs more often in children.
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Determine the presence of certain medical conditions which can cause sleepwalking, including fever, nighttime asthma, nighttime seizures, gastroesophageal reflux, arrhythmias or obstructive sleep apnea.
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Remember that psychiatric disorders can cause sleepwalking. Examples include post traumatic stress disorder, panic attacks, or dissociative states such as multiple personality disorder.
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Tips & Warnings
People usually sleepwalk during the first third of their sleep cycle, as most deep sleep occurs earlier in nighttime.
Sleepwalking rarely occurs during naps.
Fear of the dark, anger outbursts, sleeping alone or other sleeping problems are not associated with sleepwalking.
