Sleepwalking Symptoms

Sleepwalking Symptoms

• Episodes range from quiet walking about the room to agitated running or attempts to "escape."
  
  
• Typically, the eyes are open with a glassy, staring appearance as the person quietly roams the house.
  
  
• On questioning, responses are slow or absent. If the person is returned to bed without awakening, the person usually does not 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).
  
  
• Sleepwalking is not associated with previous sleep problems, sleeping alone in a room or with others, achluophobia (fear of the dark), or anger outbursts.
  
  
• Some studies suggest that children who sleepwalk may have been more restless sleepers when aged 4-5 years, and more restless with more frequent awakenings during the first year of life.