Sleepwalking Disorder
Alternate Names : Somnambulism, Noctambulation
What are the treatments for the condition?
Another person can help the sleepwalker in these ways.
Gently lead the person back to bed.
Help the person avoid becoming overtired.
Protect the person from accidents or injury.
The following method has been shown to reduce or eliminate sleepwalking. It is thought to interrupt the abnormal sleep pattern.
Log the number of minutes that pass from the time the person falls asleep to
the time sleepwalking starts for several nights.
On the following nights, the person should be awakened 15 minutes before
the start of the expected sleepwalking episode. This timing is based on the
information gathered in the log.
The person should be kept awake for 5 minutes.
This procedure should be followed for 7 consecutive nights.
If sleepwalking begins again, the procedure should be repeated for 7
more consecutive days.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
The measures described to change sleep patterns have no significant side effects.
What happens after treatment for the condition?
After treatment for sleepwalking, the individual should continue to follow preventive measures to avoid a recurrence.
How is the condition monitored?
Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.
|
Previous section
