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Sleep Disorder: Sleepwalking - FAQs


Q: Which doctor should we consult if a person is suffering from Sleepwalking?

A: Sleepwalking needs to be evaluated and treated at accredited sleep disorder centers by a sleep specialist.

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Q: I am curious to know how sleepwalkers walk with their eyes closed?

A: Sleepwalkers engage in their activities with their eyes open, in order to navigate through their surroundings. They do not walk with their eyes closed and their arms outstretched as parodied in cartoons.

Q: Is Sleepwalking harmful?

A: Most sleepwalkers don't sleepwalk often, so it's not a serious problem usually. However, a Sleepwalking child isn’t awake and so may not realize what he or she is doing, such as walking downstairs or jumping through an open window. Such episodes become hazardous.

Q: Is a sleepwalker aware of what he is doing?

A: A sleepwalker is usually not aware of his acts and will not remember them in the morning.

Q: What should we do if we see a child Sleepwalking?

A: Don't panic or awaken the sleepwalker because this might scare the child. Instead, gently guide him or her back to bed.

Q: Could there be an underlying psychiatric disorder causing Sleepwalking?

A: Sleepwalking is not indicative of an underlying emotional or psychological problem. Besides, it does not lead to any emotional harm. Sleepwalkers tend to go back to bed on their own and probably won’t even remember their night-time stroll.

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