It is often a sleep partner who alerts the sleepwalker to his or her behavior. Some sleepwalkers sense that they may be walking at night, but aren’t certain. In some cases, sleepwalkers claim that their suspicions were confirmed by the presence of mysterious bruises on their arms or legs that result from collision with furniture and walls.
Sleepwalking is characterized by complex behavior (walking) accomplished while asleep. Occasionally nonsensical talking may occur while sleepwalking. The person’s eyes are commonly open but have a characteristic glassy “look right through you” character. This activity most commonly occurs during middle childhood and young adolescence. Approximately 15% of children between 4-12 years of age will experience sleepwalking. Generally sleepwalking behaviors are resolved by late adolescence; however, approximately 10% of all sleepwalkers begin their behavior as teens. A genetic tendency has been noted.
Sleepwalking Causes
Genetic factors 
Sleepwalking occurs more frequently in identical twins, and is 10 times more likely to occur if a first-degree relative has a history of sleepwalking.
Environmental factors
Sleep deprivation, chaotic sleep schedules, fever, stress, magnesium deficiency, and alcohol intoxication can trigger sleepwalking.
Drugs, for example, sedative/hypnotics (drugs that promote sleep), neuroleptics (drugs used to treat psychosis), minor tranquilizers (drugs that produce a calming effect), stimulants (drugs that increase activity), and antihistamines (drugs used to treat symptoms of allergy) can cause sleepwalking.
Physiologic factors
The length and depth of slow wave sleep, which is greater in young children, may be a factor in the increased frequency of sleepwalking in children.
Conditions, such as pregnancy and menstruation, are known to increase the frequency of sleepwalking.
Physiologic factors
The length and depth of slow wave sleep, which is greater in young children, may be a factor in the increased frequency of sleepwalking in children.
Conditions, such as pregnancy and menstruation, are known to increase the frequency of sleepwalking.
Treatments for sleepwalking:
Usually no specific treatment for sleep walking is needed. If sleepwalking is caused by underlying medical conditions, for example, gastroesophageal reflux, obstructive sleep apnea, periodic leg movements (restless leg syndrome), or seizures, the underlying medical condition should be treated.
The following measures are usually recommended:
- Locate the bedroom on the main floor, if possible.
- Place an alarm or a bell on the door of the bedroom.
- Lock the windows and cover them with large, heavy drapes.
- Keep the floor clear of harmful objects.
- Remove any hazardous materials and sharp objects from the room and secure them in the house.
- Stay on the first floor when visiting others and when sleeping at a hotel.
If sleepwalking is caused by underlying medical conditions, for example, gastroesophageal reflux, obstructive sleep apnea, seizures, periodic leg movements or restless leg syndrome, sleepwalking episodes should stop once the underlying medical condition is treated.
Medications may be necessary if the sleepwalker is at risk of injury, if sleepwalking causes significant family disruption or excessive daytime sleepiness, and when other treatment options have not worked.
Medications that may be useful include:
-ProSom
-Klonopin
-Trazodone (Desyrel)
Medication can often be discontinued after several weeks without recurrence of sleepwalking. Occasionally, sleepwalking increases briefly after discontinuing the medication
Documentary sources:
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/
