Healthopedia.com - Your Health
Encyclopedia

Set Homepage Email Page Favorites      

 
  Home
  Health Centers
  Medical Encyclopedia
  Drugs & Medications
  Diseases & Conditions 
  Medical Symptoms
  Medical Tests & Exams
  Surgery & Procedures 
  Injuries & Wounds
  Diet & Nutrition
  Special Topics
  Pictures & Images      


Google
 
Web Healthopedia.com

You are here : Healthopedia.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > Sleepwalking Disorder
      Category : Health Centers > Sleep Disorders

Sleepwalking Disorder

Alternate Names : Somnambulism, Noctambulation

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring | Attribution


Sleepwalking is a sleep disorder in which sleeping and waking states are combined. The individual partially wakes from deep sleep and carries out some type of activity. Often this is walking, but other detailed activities may be performed.

What is going on in the body?

Sleepwalking involves complex motor acts. It occurs mainly during the first third of the night. Sleepwalking occurs during stage 3 or stage 4 sleep. It does not occur during rapid eye movement, or REM, sleep.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

No one knows the exact cause of sleepwalking. It often runs in families. Sleepwalking that starts at an early age typically goes away as the child gets older. Fifteen percent of normal children between the ages of 5 and 15 years old sleepwalk.


   

Next section

   

Sleepwalking Disorder: Symptoms & Signs

Author: Ann Reyes, Ph.D.
Reviewer: Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
Date Reviewed: 06/26/01









Content provided by The Patient Marketing Group, Inc.

Copyright © 2006 Healthopedia.com All Rights reserved.
About Us | Help/FAQ | Privacy Policy | Editorial Policy | Advertising Policy | Accessibility | Terms of Use
Contact Us | Link to Us

HONcode accreditation seal.

We comply with the HONcode standard for health trust worthy information: verify here.


The information provided herein is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. The information should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call your local emergency number for all medical emergencies. Use of this online service is subject to the disclaimer and the terms and conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites.
Page Last Updated: 30th May, 2006