What is sleepwalking and eating?
Sleepwalking or sleep eating is the act of walking while asleep. It typically happens in the first couple hours after sleep has occurred during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and children are most often affected by it. While most of the time this condition is outgrown by the time a child becomes a teen, adults can also have this disorder, especially if other underlying conditions are present.
While sleepwalking is most notably recognized for the act of walking, those that sleepwalk may also eat, talk, drive a vehicle, engage in unusual or sexual behavior, or become violent while asleep.
What causes sleepwalking?
The cause of sleepwalking can be contributed to by stress, fever, changes in sleep schedules, and sleep deprivation. It’s also possible for sleepwalking to occur in patients with obstructive sleep apnea, those taking sedatives, excess alcohol use, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and restless legs syndrome.
If your parent(s) have a history of sleepwalking, it’s also possible for the condition to be passed along through genetics.
What are the symptoms of sleepwalking?
Sleepwalking symptoms include the following:
- Getting out of bed and moving around
- Sitting up in bed with or without eyes open
- Having sleep terrors
- Brain fog or drowsiness during the day
- Wake up confused after a sleepwalking episode
- Not remembering the sleepwalking episode when fully awake
How is sleepwalking diagnosed?
A diagnosis of sleepwalking typically comes after a physical exam with your healthcare provider, an evaluation of symptoms, and an overnight sleep study or polysomnography.
How is sleepwalking treated?
While a sleepwalking diagnosis typically doesn’t require treatment, it is important that patients keep themselves safe if they are prone to sleepwalking. This can be done by making sure that doors and windows are locked and any sharp objects or weapons are safely stored. A bell on an exterior door might also be helpful.
Other options to help minimize the amount of sleepwalking episodes you have include avoiding alcohol, stress management, and healthy sleep routines, including getting adequate, quality sleep. In cases where medication is needed, benzodiazepines and antidepressants may be prescribed.
If you or your child struggles with sleepwalking, please reach out to your medical provider to discuss your symptoms. They can help set you on the right path towards a restful night’s sleep. To schedule an appointment with an Iowa Clinic sleep specialist, call 515.875.9555.