Sleep Walking Treatment
There are some things a sleepwalker can do:- Develop a calming bedtime ritual. Keep a safe sleeping environment. Some people meditate or do relaxation exercises; stress can be another trigger for sleep walking.
- Make sure you get plenty of rest; being overtired can trigger a sleep walking episode.
- Remove anything from the bedroom that could be hazardous or harmful.
- The sleepwalker's bedroom should be on the ground floor of the house. The possibility of the patient opening windows or doors should be eliminated. Place an alarm or bell on the bedroom door
An assessment of the sleepwalker should include a careful review of the current medication so that modifications can be made if necessary.
Hypnosis has been found to be helpful for both children and adults.
An accurate psychiatric evaluation could help to decide the need for psychiatric intervention.
If sleep walking is caused by underlying medical conditions, for example, obstructive sleep apnea, periodic leg movements (restless leg syndrome), gastroesophageal reflux, or seizures, the condition should be treated.
Benzodiazepines, such as estazolam (ProSom), or tricyclic antidepressants, such as trazodone (Desyrel), have been shown to be useful. Clonazepam (Klonopin) in low doses before bedtime and continued for 3-6 weeks is usually effective. A small dose of diazepam or lorazepam eliminates the episodes or considerably reduces them.
Relaxation techniques, mental imagery, and anticipatory awakenings are chosen for long-term treatment of persons with sleep walking disorder.
- Anticipatory awakenings consist of waking the child or person approximately 15-20 minutes before the usual time of an event, and then keeping him awake through the time during which the events usually occur.
- Relaxation and mental imagery should be undertaken only with the help of an experienced behavioral therapist or hypnotist.
Self Care
There are general instructions to the sleepwalker:
- Tiredness can trigger sleep walking, therefore, make sure you get plenty of rest.
- Anxiety, tension and stress are other triggers for sleep walking, therefore, try to develop a calming habit or do relaxation exercises.
- Avoid alcohol intake in late nights.
- Avoid sleep deprivation.
