Somnambulism (sleepwalking).

Abstract

Somnambulism is an arousal parasomnia consisting of a series of complex behaviours that result in large movements in bed or walking during sleep. It occurs in 2-14% of children and 1.6-2.4% of adults. Occasional benign episodes are managed conservatively. However, recurrent sleepwalking with a risk of injury to self or others mandates immediate treatment with pharmacotherapy while awaiting work-up. The most commonly used medications are benzodiazepines, particularly clonazepam, with tricyclic antidepressants and serotonin selective re-uptake inhibitors also administered. Treatment of underlying causes such as obstructive sleep apnoea, upper airway resistance syndrome, restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movements, is currently the best approach and usually eliminates somnambulism in children and adults.

• Authors: Agnes Remulla, Christian Guilleminault
• Journal: Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy (Expert Opin Pharmacother) Vol. 5 Issue 10 Pg. 2069-74 (Oct 2004) ISSN: 1744-7666 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 15461542 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation
• Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic
• Central Nervous System Depressants
• Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
• Benzodiazepines

Topics

• Adult
• Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation (therapeutic use)
• Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic (therapeutic use)
• Benzodiazepines (therapeutic use)
• Central Nervous System Depressants (therapeutic use)
• Child
• Humans
• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (therapeutic use)
• Somnambulism (drug therapy)