Sleepwalking (cont.)
Medical Author:
John Mersch, MD, FAAP
John Mersch, MD, FAAPDr. Mersch received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, San Diego, and prior to entering the University Of Southern California School Of Medicine, was a graduate student (attaining PhD candidate status) in Experimental Pathology at USC. He attended internship and residency at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Medical Editor:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical EditorMelissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology. IN THIS ARTICLE
When to Seek Medical CareFor children and adults, sleepwalking is usually a sign of lack of sleep, intense emotional problems, stress, or fever. As these conditions resolve, sleepwalking incidences disappear. In most cases, no treatment is necessary because sleepwalking rarely indicates any serious underlying medical or psychiatric problem. In most children, sleepwalking disappears at puberty. However, it can occasionally persist into adulthood or may even begin in adulthood. Consult a sleep specialist if the person is having frequent episodes, injuring himself or herself, or showing violent behavior. Viewer Comments & ReviewsSleepwalking - TreatmentThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:What treatment was effective for the sleepwalking? Sleepwalking - ExperienceThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:Do you sleepwalk, or do you know someone that sleepwalks? |
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Somnambulism (Sleep Walking) »
Somnambulism (ie, sleepwalking) is a disorder of arousal that falls under the parasomnia group.
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