A Natural Approach To Health

Living With Sleepwalking

I had a question the other day about sleepwalking.

Sleepwalking is a sleep disorder that causes people to get up and walk while they’re sleeping.

Episodes of sleepwalking typically occur when you’re in the deep stages of sleep.

The sleepwalker isn’t able to respond during the event and doesn’t remember sleepwalking.

In some cases, sleepwalking is associated with incoherent talking.

Sleepwalking occurs most commonly in childhood, typically between the ages of 4 and 8, but can last into adulthood.

Episodes of sleepwalking can range from quiet walking about the room to agitated running or attempts to “escape.”

Typically, your eyes are open with a glassy, staring appearance as you quietly roam the house.

On questioning, responses are slow or absent.

If you’re returned to bed without awakening, you usually don’t remember the event.

Older children, who may awaken more easily at the end of an episode, often are embarrassed by the behavior (especially if it was inappropriate).

Several different factors may be involved in the development of sleepwalking.

These may include genetics, environment, and medical conditions.

Sleepwalking isn’t associated with other sleep problems, sleeping alone in a room or with others, fear of the dark, or anger outbursts.

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.

Therefore, it’s thought the condition can be inherited.

Certain factors may cause you to sleepwalk, like:

>Sleep deprivation

>Chaotic sleep schedules

>Stress

>Alcohol intoxication

>Drugs like sedative/hypnotics (drugs that promote relaxation or sleep), neuroleptics (drugs used to treat psychosis), stimulants (drugs that increase activity), and antihistamines (drugs used to treat symptoms of allergy)

Medical conditions that have been linked to sleepwalking include:

>Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms)

>Fever

>Gastroesophageal reflux (food or liquid regurgitating from your stomach up into your food pipe)

>Nighttime asthma

>Nighttime seizures (convulsions)

>Obstructive sleep apnea (where your breathing stops temporarily while sleeping)

>Psychiatric disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic attacks, or dissociative states, like multiple personality disorder

To deal with sleepwalking it’s beneficial to:

*Drink 6-8 cups of purified water daily as it hydrates body and brain cells, thins mucus, and flushes toxins.

*Increase Omega-3 essential fats.

*Increase stress relief/relaxation techniques.

*Explore energy medicine techniques (EFT).

*Consider herbs like chamomile and valerian.

*Increase deep-breathing techniques.

*Increase exercise, activity, sunshine, outdoors, fresh air.

*Sleep in complete darkness with no night light as this promotes melatonin.

*Decrease blood sugar fluctuations/hypoglycemic tendencies.

*Decrease possible triggers, allergies, sensitivities.

Decrease toxic household cleaning, laundry, and personal care products and/or poor air quality.

*Decrease sugar and chemical-laden junk and processed foods.

*Decrease caffeine, alcohol and tobacco.

*Do not read/watch upsetting books/TV before bed.

*Avoid eating in the 2-3 hours before bed.

*Avoid exercise before bed.

*Research short- and long-term effects of sleep medications.

Recommendations:

It is essential to use:  VitaLea, Protein, VitalMag, Gentle Sleep Complex, Stress Relief Complex, Lecithin.

It is important to use:  Vitamin C, B-Complex (some find an evening dose helps relaxation; some find it too stimulating past dinner).

It is beneficial to use:  Optiflora, Alfalfa, Vitamin D.

email:  lenayphillipps@gmail.com

PS:  If you have any questions about sleepwalking, and would like to know how supplements can help, give us a call at 715-431-0657.  We’re here to help.