The sleepwalking is one of the most common sleep disorders, mainly performing in children 5 to 12 years, although it can occur in adolescence and adulthood. During the episodes, the person can walk, talk and perform activities while they are asleep. It is a condition that must especially monitor in the case of young children to avoid harm. If you wonder what the sleepwalking causes are, we explain some situations or conditions with which this disorder associated.
1. Some Detonating Factors
The Sleepwalking has a large variety of causes, which may be different depending on the patient’s age. Formerly it was believed that those suffering from this condition suffered psychiatric problems or epilepsy. However today it is known that although this may be one of the causes is presented very minority, being other the most common reasons.
Certain detonating factors increase the chance of being a sleepwalker, including:
- Living in a conflictive environment or going through a situation of high stress and emotional stress.
- Have a direct relative who is the sleepwalker, since a hereditary pattern has been observed in this condition.
- Do not rest properly, with periods of insomnia.
- It is more common in children who have other sleep disorders, such as night terrors or bed-wetting.
2. Anxiety And Stress
One of the most frequent forms of sleepwalking occurs when a person suffers from anxiety, stress or high tension, or is going through a stage of changes or situations that generate stress. In the case of children, sleepwalking can be more common when living in tight family environments or when the child faces new changes such as a move, a divorce, entering a new school or being in exam period.
The anxiety is also a common trigger for the adult sleepwalker, who may suffer more frequent episodes when some external or internal condition generates tension.
3. Sleeping Problems & Fatigue
Among the causes of sleepwalking are also the problems of falling asleep and fatigue. This condition occurs with a higher incidence in people who suffer from other sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, insomnia or night terrors, and in those who feel constantly fatigued.
In those stages in which we do not rest properly, it is more common for somnambulism to occur.
4. Consumption Of Alcohol Or Certain Medications
Some people may see increased or even experience for the first time problems of sleepwalking due to excessive intake of alcohol or the consumption of certain medications, such as sedatives. It occurs possibly due to the alteration of the states of consciousness that generate this type of substances.
5. Various Medical Problems
In a lower percentage, the causes of sleepwalking can be due to some medical issues such as:
- Very high fevers
- Behavioral disorders related to the MOR phase of sleep
- Psycho-organic Syndrome
- Mental disorders
This article is merely informative, you to go to a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.
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