General Purpose: Inform class on sleepwalking and its effects on a person’s life.
General Topic: Sleepwaking Timed Length: 4 minutes, 12 seconds
Introduction
Grabber – Somnambulism, Identical twins, lasts 30 seconds to 30 minutes, most likely to occur between 11:00 p. m. to 1:00 a. m. , 1% to 15% of the population, affecting more males than females. What do all of these have in common? If sleepwalking came to mind you are correct.
Preview statement – I will be sharing with you some causes, treatments, and effects of sleepwalking that I hope will help you to have a better understanding of this disorder.
WIFM – If you are ever confronted with sleepwalking or living with a person who sleep walks you will be informed as to possible causes and treatment for their behavior.
Causes
Genetic – It is more frequent in identical twins and if you have had a family member who was a sleepwalker.
Environmental – People who are sleep deprived, have a chaotic sleep schedule, are under stress, have a magnesium deficiency and alcohol intoxication can all trigger sleep walking.
Associated Medical Causes – Those who have abnormal heart rhythms, fever, reflux, nighttime asthma or seizures, sleep apnea and some psychiatric disorders such as post traumatic stress disorder, panic attacks and multiple personality disorders.
Symptoms
- Episodes range from quiet walking about the room to agitated running or attempts to “escape. Patients may appear clumsy and dazed in their behaviors.
- Typically, the eyes are open with a glassy, staring appearance as the person quietly roams the house. They do not, however, walk with their arms extended in front of them as is inaccurately depicted in movies.
- On questioning, responses are slow with simple thoughts, contain non-sense phraseology, or are absent. If the person is returned to bed without awakening, the person usually does not remember the event.
- Sleepwalking is not associated with previous sleep problems, sleeping alone in a room or with others, fear of the dark, or anger outbursts
Treatment
Home treatments may consist of the following;
- A person with a sleepwalking disorder should get adequate sleep, do meditation exercises, and avoid stimulus prior to bedtime. It is important for them to keep a safe sleeping environment free of all obstacles. All doors and windows should be locked and the room should be on the ground floor. In severe cases an alarm that goes off when the sleepwalker is upright may be necessary.
- If the threat of safety is real and the sleepwalking is causing a family disruption then medication may need to be used. This is only done once the sleepwalker has undergone a sleep study and other causes are ruled out.
Conclusion
As I stated in the beginning Somnambulism which is known as sleepwalking affects 1 – 15% of our population and is most prevalent in males and identical twins. It most frequently occurs between 11 p. . and 1:00 a. m. and lasts from 3 to 30 minutes. This is treatable with simple measures and in more difficult cases that interfere with daily living medication is helpful. If you know someone who sleepwalks be supportive and help them to stay safe.
Bibliography
- eMedicineHealth. ©2013 WebMD, Inc. April 14, 2013. http://www. emedicinehealth. com/ National Sleep Foundation.
- ©2011 National Sleep Foundation. April 14, 2013. http://www. sleepfoundation. org/ Visual aid at: http://pnt-em-up-1. wix. com/sleepwalking
