Sleepwalking Causes

Sleepwalking is a type of parasomnia. A parasomnia occurs when a person is asleep and often, it results in a disruptive event that is known as an arousal disorder. The scientific name for sleepwalking is 'somnambulism'.

A person suffering from sleepwalking disorder, gets out of his or her bed and engages in perfectly normal activities that are basically supposed to be done when one is fully awake. Sleepwalkers indulge in activities like cooking, eating, making phone calls, wandering in the streets, moving objects within the house, bathing, etc.

What is Sleepwalking

Sleepwalking is associated with sleep-related problems. It must be noted that sleepwalking occurs in deep sleep. The behavior of the sleepwalker is unintentional and he/she does not happen to know exactly what is happening in his surroundings. So much so that once the sleepwalker wakes up, he does not recall his stroll at all. No exact cause behind sleepwalking has been determined. However, the usual causes are largely said to be medical, environmental, hereditary and also psychiatric. Most of the times, the tendency of sleepwalking is hereditary, and occurs mostly in boys, in the childhood and teenage years. Sometimes, it also occurs in grownups and people suffering from some environmental or medical problems. Some of the prominent causes of sleepwalking are as follows:

Sleepwalking Causes - Genetic

As mentioned above, causes of sleepwalking may be genetic. The genetic cause of sleepwalking is profoundly observed in twins. Researches also state that the frequency of sleepwalking increases, if a first-grade relative suffers from the disorder.

Sleepwalking Causes - Environmental

The environmental causes are the ones where the body reacts to an abnormal lifestyle by sleepwalking. The first and the most common reason for sleepwalking is deprivation of sleep. More often, sleepwalking is linked to other sleep-related problems, like chaotic sleep schedule, restless sleep, and congested or stuffy surroundings while sleeping. Stress is also one of of the most important causes of sleepwalking. Often, if the sleepwalker is under stress from anything, like for example, an exam, then the person will get up and start studying.

Intoxication also increases the phenomenon of sleepwalking. If the person is an alcoholic and also, has a family history of sleepwalking, then he is sure to walk in his sleep. An alcoholic suffers from sleepwalking after consuming excessive quantities of alcohol, even though he may not have any family history of this disorder.

Sedatives and any kind of drugs that help in relaxation, if consumed very regularly over a long period of time, are sometimes also the reason behind the frequent sleep strolls. Similarly, the consumption of neuroleptics (medicines which are used to treat psychosis), stimulants and antihistamines (drugs that are used to cure allergic reactions), can also cause sleepwalking.

Sleepwalking Causes - Medical

There are also some medical causes that result in walking during sleep. Arrhythmia patients tend to sleepwalk, when they experience an abnormal pulse. This is not exactly normal sleepwalking; however, it is a very natural reaction of the human body against an internal abnormality. Sleepwalkers often wake up during the stroll. Similarly, fever is also one of the causes of sleepwalking.

Nighttime asthma and seizures can also cause a person to sleepwalk. Another reason could be obstructive sleep apnea (respiratory problem). It is a situation, where breathing abruptly stops, temporarily.

Psychiatric disorders, like multiple personality disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic attacks etc., are also some common sleepwalking causes.

Most causes of sleepwalking disorder, whether genetic or medical, are totally natural and there is no need to panic, though you can opt for therapies. If you are suffering from sleepwalking caused by environmental reasons, then it is better that you see a doctor as soon as possible because if your nighttime strolls continue, it might affect your health in the long run.