A woman went to sleep at home one night, only for her family to find her the next morning at the stairwell entrance—still fast asleep.Her family was puzzled by this occurrence. When they questioned her, her response was even more concerning. She explained, "I fell asleep at home. But when I woke up near dawn, I found myself on a mountain surrounded by grass. I felt scared, so I started walking home. By the time I reached the staircase, I was extremely tired and sleepy, so I fell asleep there."
Her family suspected she was sleepwalking, also known as somnambulism. Sleepwalking is a normal physiological phenomenon. While most people remain dormant in bed after falling asleep, some individuals experience heightened nervous system activity that cannot be suppressed. This leads to certain behaviors during sleep, though consciousness is often blurred. If asked about the previous night's events, they typically have no recollection.
Though sleepwalking is a normal phenomenon, it carries inherent risks. Due to impaired consciousness, individuals may wander outside and easily encounter accidents or potentially harm others.
So how should sleepwalking be treated? Can this condition be cured? This is a concern for many. Let's explore the answers together.
How to Treat Sleepwalking
1. Take nerve-calming medications.
Appropriate administration of sedatives like Luminal may be considered. However, these medications should not be taken long-term and must be discontinued immediately once symptoms subside.
2. Learn to release stress.
Avoid excessive tension during daytime work. If feeling overwhelmed, actively seek ways to relieve stress. As the saying goes, "What you think about during the day manifests in your dreams at night." If daytime work is overly stressful, nerves may remain agitated at night, increasing the likelihood of sleepwalking.
3. Use acupuncture therapy to aid sleep.
If sleepwalking causes significant sleep disruption, acupuncture can be employed. Stimulating points like Neiguan (PC6) promotes relaxation.
4. Diagnosis
No special treatment is needed unless epilepsy is present. Since sleepwalking is a common epilepsy symptom, proper diagnosis is essential.
Sleepwalking isn't classified as a disease. It occurs most frequently in children, and for many, the symptoms disappear naturally after adulthood. However, some may continue to experience it. What precautions should be taken for children with sleepwalking?
1. Avoid shouting or scolding.
This can easily frighten the child who is still in a dreamlike state and may even deepen their confusion.
If you discover your child sleepwalks, manage dangerous items like electrical appliances to prevent accidents.
3. Guide them back to bed.
If you find your child sleepwalking, stay calm and gently guide them back to their bed to continue sleeping.