Sonambulism

Sonambulism, commonly known as sleepwalking, is a sleep disorder characterized by complex behaviors that occur during deep sleep stages, typically NREM stage 3. Individuals experiencing sleepwalking may sit up in bed, walk around, and perform various activities such as dressing, eating, or even leaving the house. While their eyes are often open, they are usually unresponsive and have no memory of the episode upon waking.

The exact cause of sleepwalking is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a partial arousal from deep sleep. Factors that can trigger or worsen sleepwalking include sleep deprivation, stress, fever, certain medications, and a family history of the disorder. It is more common in children than adults, and most individuals outgrow it as they mature.

Diagnosis is usually based on a description of the events by witnesses. In rare cases, a sleep study (polysomnography) may be conducted to rule out other sleep disorders or confirm the diagnosis. Treatment is generally not required for mild or infrequent episodes. Safety measures, such as securing windows and doors and removing potential hazards from the bedroom, are important to prevent injury. For more frequent or disruptive episodes, medical interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) or certain medications may be considered.