Sleepwalking, somnambulism or sleepwalking is a type of sleep disorder in which a sleeping person can get out of bed, perform seemingly purposeful actions, even speak. A person suffering from sleepwalking needs help, if only because sleepwalking is fraught with injuries … If a child walks in a dream, it is not so scary, but may be due to the fact that his brain is in the process of formation. In order to help such a kid (or an adult sleepwalker), you need to adhere to several rules.
Instructions
Step 1
During an attack of sleepwalking, you can apply such a type of treatment as an unplanned awakening. Go to the sleepwalker and quietly wake him up. This interrupts the sleepwalking cycle. Or gently turn it back, bring it to bed and put it in it.
Step 2
Not always, but a folk remedy can help - a wet rag in front of the bed. The sleepwalker lowers his legs out of bed and gets up on the cold and wet. From surprise, he may wake up.
Step 3
Usually, children's sleepwalking goes away with age, so a visit to the doctor is not necessary. But contact a specialist if:
- attacks happen very often, up to two or three times a night;
- there are other mental disorders;
- there are signs of anxiety or stress.
Step 4
To prevent injury during sleepwalking, make sure that there are no potentially dangerous objects in the room - sharp, stabbing, cutting. Close windows and doors at night, and, if possible, exit to the stairs.
Step 5
For a sleepwalker, the process of falling asleep is important. He should be calm, you can turn on music, read a good fairy tale to the child. Before bed, be sure to take him to the toilet.
Step 6
In adults, sleepwalking can indicate a serious mental disorder. Therefore, help should be provided only together with a doctor: - consult a psychologist or psychotherapist. He will prescribe mild sedatives or tranquilizers; - together with specialists, find out the causes of the disorder or anxiety and, if possible, work to eliminate them; - avoid excessive fatigue, insomnia, as this can provoke an attack; - in the elderly, sleepwalking can accompany senile dementia. Here the help of a psychiatrist is needed, who will prescribe psychotropic drugs. They have to be taken continuously; - group psychotherapy helps with sleep disorders. If possible, assign the sufferer of somnambulism to one of these groups.
