Sleep Walking | Somnambulism | Read Treatment and Cure
What is Sleep Walking or Somnambulism?
- Sleep walking or somnambulism is commonly seen in childhood and adolescence.
- The episode emerges during delta sleep, hence is common in the 1st couple of hours of nocturnal sleep.
- The child gets out of bed, is somnolent and confused.
- He is able to walk around but is clumsy and has unintelligible speech.
- He may avoid objects but could fall out of a window or off a roof top and sustain severe body trauma.
- During the episode the child may carry out other autonomic activities e.g. dressing him self, eating or bathroom functions.
Treatment of Sleep Walking
- Benzodiazepines (diazepam, clonazepam) which suppress delta sleep are given.
- Tricyclic agents such as imipramine at bed time may be useful in children and adolescents.
- Anticonvulsants have been used with variable success.
June 12, 2009 | Filed Under
Neurological Disorders
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