Sleepwalking is characterized by a state of unconscious wakefulness during sleep. The sleepwalker can simply stay awake in bed, or even get up, eat and do activities that may be more or less dangerous, for himself and for others.

Sleepwalking, or waking up and walking while sleeping, can be associated with a variety of consequences. It is also one of the leading causes of nocturnal injuries.

The identification of sleepwalking as well as its management as soon as possible is important, in order to limit the risks of nocturnal injuries and the risk of violence linked to the patient’s unconsciousness.

The traditional idea that we have sleepwalking is a state of excitability of the body and the mind, during sleep, causing an awakening of only certain cognitive functions. In addition, physiological disorders associated with sleep, states of confusion or even certain genetic factors can also be at the origin of sleepwalking.

Some cases of sleepwalking only resemble momentary awakening. The person just sits up in bed and looks around. In other cases, the sleepwalker may get out of bed, walk, open wardrobes, dress, and even eat. The agitation is more or less important depending on the patient. In the most extreme cases, the person with sleepwalking may get out of the house, walk down the street, or even start driving a car, riding a bicycle, and the like. These latter cases can prove to be very dangerous, both for the life of the patient and for that of others.

In the majority of cases of sleepwalking, the awake patient has his eyes open. However, some sleepwalking people can be cognitively awake, so they keep their eyes closed. Nevertheless, whether for the first case or for the second, the patient often has difficulty recognizing his relatives, in a state of sleepwalking. He can even go so far as to confuse a human person with an object.

A discussion with a sleepwalker is often difficult if not impossible. The conversation may be meaningless and the patient’s speech difficult.

In most cases, sleepwalking episodes do not last for an average of ten minutes. However, in other cases these periods may prove to be longer.

Following these sleepwalking episodes, the patient may wake up on his own or Conversely, go back to bed without waking up and not remembering anything.

The sleepwalking patient usually has no recollection of these episodes. In addition, awakening during a sleepwalking episode can lead to confusion and vague memories.

The exact cause of sleepwalking is usually unknown. However, a genetic origin (hereditary within the same family) may be associated with it.

However, certain factors can lead to sleepwalking, or even worsen it:

• lack of sleep
• stress and anxiety
• an infection causing a severe febrile state (especially in children)
• heavy alcohol consumption
• drug use
• taking certain medications, especially sedatives

In addition, sleep-related pathologies can also lead to sleepwalking: sleep apnea or “restless legs syndrome”.

Anyone, regardless of age, can be affected by a sleepwalking state.

Occasional episodes of sleepwalking do not require urgent medical attention. Sleep interruptions are usually not the result of serious underlying causes and get better over time.

Nevertheless, if the sleepwalking episodes are frequent and the sleepwalker performs activities, in a state of unconsciousness, which could be dangerous for himself and for others, consultation of the doctor is then recommended.

The general practitioner will most often refer the patient to a sleep specialist. This specialist will then try to find the original cause of sleepwalking, in order to act on the source and limit episodes of unconscious awakening.

There is no specific treatment for sleepwalking. However, methods and means are possible in order to avoid sleepwalking episodes:

• going to bed at regular times each day
• make sure the room is dark and quiet
• limiting consumption of energy drinks and caffeinated drinks before bed
• promote relaxing activities before falling asleep: reading, hot bath, breathing exercises, and others.

Drug treatments are rarely prescribed for sleepwalking. In addition, some such as benzodiazepines or antidepressants may be prescribed. These treatments make it possible in particular to improve the quality of sleep as well as to facilitate falling asleep.