COMMON SLEEP DISORDERS
Sleepwalking
Sleepwalking is a condition in which the individual walks, talks or performs activities from his or her daily routine while asleep.
Someone who is sleepwalking may:
- Walk around
- Sit up and talk in bed
- Have a glassy-eyed expression and not respond to others while seemingly awake
- Be disoriented or confused upon waking
- Not remember the episode in the morning
- Have sleep terrors
- Complete routine activities
Sleepwalking typically occurs one to two hours after falling asleep.
This sleep disorder is more common in children than adults. Sleepwalking is not generally a cause for concern in isolated incidents; however, frequently occurring sleepwalking in adults can indicate an underlying sleep disorder.
Talk to your doctor about possible underlying factors behind the sleepwalking incidents. Additional recommendations to help reduce sleepwalking include:
- Avoiding caffeine, alcohol or smoking in the late afternoon or evening
- Limiting daytime naps
- Avoiding certain foods in the late afternoon or evening (e.g., spicy, rich or heavy foods, citrus fruits or carbonated beverages)
- Exercising for 10 minutes or more per day
- Following a consistent sleep schedule and nightly routine
SLEEP STUDIES
Sleep studies assist in diagnosing a variety of conditions and disorders, including sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome and sleepwalking.
Maury Regional Health conducts sleep studies with physican referral at locations in Columbia, Lawnrenceburg, Lewisburg and Waynesboro. Call 931.490.REST (7378) or visit MauryRegional.com/Sleep-Centers for more information.