SLEEPWALKING

Sleepwalking is one of the parasomnias, a group of disorders that also includes night terrors, nocturnal enuresis and nightmares. This disor der of arousal is much more common in children than in adults, and it is commonly associated with other parasomnias. Sleepwalking typically occurs during the first three hours of sleep, when deep stages 3 and 4 (non-rapid-eye-movement sleep) are most prevalent. The episodes usual ly last 30 seconds to 30 minutes. The differential diagnosis of sleepw alking includes partial complex seizures occurring during sleep, rapid -eye-movement behavior disorder, night terrors, malingering, dissociat ive phenomena and medication effects. The treatment of sleepwalking in children includes providing a regular steep-wake schedule, ensuring t hat the child has sufficient sleep and reassuring the parents. Medicat ions and psychotherapy may be indicated in some adult patients.