Disorders That Disrupt Sleep (Parasomnias) (cont.)

Sleep Disorder Treatment

Self-Care at Home

These sleep hygiene measures are important for all parasomnias:

• Go to bed at the same time each night.
  
  
• Use the bed only for sleeping and intimacy.
  
  
• Avoid napping.
  
  
• Avoid stress, fatigue, and sleep deprivation.
  
  
• Avoid vigorous activity prior to bedtime, though a brief period of aerobic activity 4 hours before bedtime may be helpful.
  
  
• Avoid cigarettes, alcohol, and excessive caffeine.

In general, when a person has been diagnosed with sleepwalking, the following precautions need to be taken:

• Remove potentially dangerous items.

• Have the person sleep in a bedroom on the ground floor if possible.

• Lock the doors and windows.

• Cover glass windows with heavy drapes.

• Place an alarm or bell on the bedroom door.

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