Sleep-Walking

Sleepwalking is a condition in which a person gets up during sleep and begins to walk, performing various actions. This phenomenon is also called somnambulism or sleepwalking.

Sleepwalking occurs during deep sleep, usually in the first half of the night. At the same time, a sleepy person can walk around the house, open doors, talk, and sometimes even drive a car. When he wakes up, he remembers nothing of his nightly walks.

The reasons for sleepwalking are not entirely clear. It is believed that this is due to disturbances in brain function when the transition from deep sleep to REM sleep does not occur. The risk of occurrence increases with stress, lack of sleep, and taking certain medications.

Most often, sleepwalking is observed in children aged 5 to 12 years and goes away with age. This phenomenon is less common in adults. Treatment is usually not required unless there is injury or other hazards while walking at night. In rare cases, medications or psychotherapy are prescribed.

In general, sleepwalking is not dangerous, but it is worth taking precautions to minimize the risk of injury. For example, close doors and windows, remove dangerous objects. If you experience regular episodes of sleepwalking, it is recommended to consult a doctor.