Sleepwalking

The following treatment options can be undertaken for a person with sleepwalking disorder:

General Measures

• Go to bed at the same time each night
• Attain adequate sleep
• Avoid napping
• Avoid stress, fatigue and sleep deprivation
• Moderate or relaxation exercises
• Avoid any kind of stimuli prior to bedtime
• Environment must be safe from harmful or sharp objects
• Sleep on the ground floor and avoid bunk beds
• Lock windows and doors
• Remove obstacles in the room
• Cover glass windows with heavy drapes
• Place alarm or bell on bedroom and windows, if necessary

Medical Treatment

The underlying cause should be treated, for example, gastroesophageal reflux, obstructive sleep apnoea, seizures and other causes mentioned. Medications may be necessary in the following situations:

• The possibility of injury is real
• Continued behaviours are causing significant family disruption or excessive daytime sleepiness
• Other measures have proven to be inadequate
• Benzodiazepines have been shown to be useful for three to six weeks and then discontinued without recurrence of symptoms but occasionally frequency can increase briefly after discontinuing the medication