Sleep Walking / Somnambulism

Overview

Sleepwalking or "Somnambulism," is a kind of parasomnia which has medico-legal implications.

Sleepwalking commonly occurs in the initial third phase of a night's sleep. Sleepwalking or somnambulism typically manifests during the slow-wave cycle of sleep, also called as Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) Sleep. In certain rare cases, victims may walk during a day- time nap.

Sleepwalking events can be distressing, and sometimes dangerous. It can have forensic implications in cases involving accidents, homicide, or presumed suicide. Sleepwalking may cause injury, disrupt sleep, health problems, interpersonal problems, shame, bewilderment, and depression, from repeated loss of self-control at night.

There is an urgent need to create awareness about "Sleepwalking", since many are not aware of its existence or they may not know how to handle the disorders when they occur.