Sleep walking is known as one of the most dangerous sleep
disorders. Basically, the individual does not know about his/her act of walking
during sleep. It can cause a serious situation with the sufferer himself or any
other person due to this act of walking. Therefore, susceptible should be kept
under surveillance once found walking while sleeping.
Causes of sleep walking
The causes of sleepwalking and sleep talking are almost the
same. Sleep deprivation is a common reason leading to such sleep disorders. The
other associated causes are the use of sedative drugs including alcohol. The
psychiatric and psychological problems also lead to sleepwalking. The children
are more susceptible to the sleepwalking problem and the main reason is sleep
deprivation. Nightmares are also a cause in the children’s sleep walking. In
the current era, the burden of studies leads to sleep deprivation in the
children which further causes the sleepwalking problem.
Possible hazards of sleep walking disorders
Sleepwalking is a hazardous issue because the individual
does not about the condition. Actually, he/she sleeps but moves towards an
unknown direction. Even a blind person knows about his/her moving activity but
a sleepwalker doesn’t. So, walking while asleep is more dangerous than a blind
person moving without an attendant. A sleepwalker can meet any unforeseen
incident unavoidably. Here are some possible hazards that a person can face
while walking during sleep. It will help you to understand the severity of such
sleep disorders.
v
A person sleeping on the roof of the building is
more prone to meet an accident while walking during sleep. Especially, a roof
without boundary walls is more dangerous for such a person.
v
Naked electric wires, switchboard are also the
hazards. Moreover, electrical appliances, like fans, heaters, and geezers are
also unsafe for a person walking during sleep.
v
Fire can also be a serious hazard for the
sleeping person at the near location.
v
A location near to the habitat of exotic animals
is also risky. For example, a person sleeping in the vicinity of a zoo can face
any incident when walks to the cage of an exotic animal.
v
A person with sleep disorders of walking can
also create a critical situation for the roommates or partner.
v
Children can fall from the bed or swing.
Moreover, the baby can also move outside the house as a result of sleep
walking.
Precautionary measures against sleep walking
People susceptible to walking while the asleep need to be
kept under surveillance. The motivation is the very first important step you
must take in this regard. The individual must know about his condition and
severity of the hazards related to this problem. The following precautionary
measures can help to minimize the risk of hazards. However, close surveillance
is necessary even after treatment.
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Sleeping on the roof of the building without
boundary walls must be avoided.
Ø
Placing obstacles in the vicinity of susceptible
can minimize the risk of incidents. He/she may awake while striking the
obstacle. However, the obstacle must be a safe one.
Ø
All the electrical points and appliances must be
kept out of reach.
Ø
Preferably, the susceptible person must not
sleep in an open area where he/she can free walk in different directions.
Ø
The children should be induced in the studies
gradually as per their capacity and age. They must be allowed sufficient time
to complete their normal sleep.
Treatment/management
of sleep walking
There is no significant treatment for sleepwalking
disorders. This problem is caused as a result of other sleep disorders. So,
treating the causative factor is helpful to control over sleep walking problem.
ü
Sleep deprivation is one of the major problems
of sleepwalking syndrome that can be treated with sufficient sleep.
ü
For psychiatric and psychological problems, the
management can minimize the episodes of this problem.
ü
Special care and management are necessary in the
cases of children because it can lead to other sleep disorders and health
issues if the problem continues for a prolonged period. The individuals known
cases of drug and alcohol dependence must be treated in rehabilitation centers.
Till the completion of treatment, the patients must be kept under close
surveillance.
