Science of Sleepwalking

Is there a cure?

Many sleepwalkers simply grow out of it. There is a much higher prevalence of sleepwalking among children: 30% of children experience an episode of sleepwalking or a "night terror" episode.

For adults who suffer severely from sleepwalking, there are prescription drugs available. However, in Wilson's experience many sleepwalkers don't want to take medication every day. Some patients will be given a drug called peroxitine on particular occasions when they want to avoid sleepwalking. Changes in surroundings prove to be a real hazard, so some sleepwalkers will only take the drug when they go on holiday.

But there are also some simple lifestyle changes that can make a difference. Adopting a regular sleeping pattern is vital and dietary changes such as cutting down on caffeine, are thought to be highly beneficial. Caffeine acts as a stimulant and contributes to the insomnia that so often goes hand in hand with sleepwalking.

Just like other types of sleep disturbances, sleepwalking affects the amount of uninterrupted sleep a person gets. A poll conducted by the National Sleep Foundation in 2002 found that 74% of Americans suffered from a sleeping problem at least a few times a week. For sleepwalkers, interrupted sleep can lead to a whole range of related sleep troubles.

So although sleepwalking is often portrayed as comical - most people tend to envision a zombie-like character with lumbering arms outstretched - for the sleepwalker, it's anything but funny.

About.com - Sleepwalking - The Basics
http://sleepdisorders.about.com/cs/sleepwalktalk/a/walking.htm

New Scientist - Sleepwalking woman had sex with strangers
http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn6540