Do I Have Sleepwalking Disorder?

Have you been told by your bed partner that you get out of bed at night and walk around?

Have you been told by your bed partner that you sit up in bed with your eyes open while still mostly asleep?

Have you been told by your bed partner that you have a glazed, glassy-eyed expression during an episode of unusual behavior during sleep?

Have you been told by your bed partner that you not respond or communicate with others during an episode of sleepwalking?

Is it difficult to wake you up during an episode?

Do you feel disoriented or confused for a short time after being awakened?

Are you unable to remember the episode in the morning?

Do your symptoms occur during the first part of the night, usually within an hour or two of falling asleep?

Do your episodes end in about ten minutes?

Have you ever woken up during the night and found yourself out of bed without knowing how you got there?

Do you have problems functioning during the day because of disturbed sleep?

Do you have sleep terrors?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have a sleepwalking disorder. Sleepwalking is a type of sleep disorder also known as somnambulism. It refers to abnormal behavior during sleep - a person walks or performs other complex activities while still asleep. A sleepwalking episode usually lasts about ten minutes. The main characteristic of this condition is that the person does not remember getting out of bed and walking. It is more common in children than in adults, especially those who have a family history of sleepwalking or are prone to repeated nocturnal awakenings. Most children outgrow it by their teenage years.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have a sleepwalking disorder. Sleepwalking is a behavior disorder that describes getting out of bed at night and walking around while you are still asleep. Sleepwalking occurs during non-REM sleep, which is about one to two hours after falling asleep. In addition to walking, a sleepwalking episode may include running, routine activities such as getting dressed, moving furniture, or even urinating in inappropriate places. A person may have an isolated sleepwalking incident or recurring episodes that may indicate an underlying sleep disorder. A diagnosis is based on your symptoms, a physical examination and a nocturnal sleep study (polysomnography).

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have a sleepwalking disorder. Sleepwalking is a sleep disorder characterized by getting out of bed at night, walking or performing other activities while you are still asleep. After an episode of sleepwalking, you can go back to bed on your own and continue to sleep, or you may wake up confused while still out of bed. The main risk of sleepwalking is that you may injure yourself or your bed partner. Occasional sleepwalking episodes usually do not require treatment. When necessary, there are different approaches to solving sleepwalking, such as anticipatory awakenings, medications and cognitive behavioral therapy.