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When choosing a sleep center, insist on quality, call St. Luke's Center of Sleep Medicine at 832.355.3348.
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Sleep walking is a "parasomnia", which means unwanted behaviors occurring around sleep. The National Sleep Foundation estimates that 1-2% of children walk in their sleep at least a few nights a week. Sleep walking can occur in light stages of sleep but, more often it occurs in deep sleep. Children between ages 3-7 years have a greater incidence, but adults can also suffer from this disorder. There is an association of sleep apnea in children with sleep walking. Triggers for sleepwalking may include sleep deprivation, alcohol and certain medications. Increasing sleep time and establishing good sleep habits can lead to a better night's sleep.
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| Things to Avoid |
Things To Include |
| Alcohol (especially before bedtime) |
Establish a regular sleep schedule both sleep time and wake time |
| Nicotine |
Exercise 3 hours before bedtime (within your doctor's guidelines) |
| Caffeine especially 8 hrs before bedtime |
Eat a healthy diet (within your doctor's guidelines) |
| Heavy and/or spicy meals before bedtime |
Eat a light snack before bedtime |
| Watching the clock (turn the clock away from your visual) |
Create a comfortable cool dark sleep environment |
| Going to bed when you are not sleepy |
Establish relaxing habits at bedtime such as reading and meditation |
| Lingering in bed sleepless for more than 15 minutes |
When sleepless leave your bed and do something relaxing |
| TV, long engaging reading or computer during the night |
Use your bed for sex and sleep only |
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Sleep walking signs may range from simply sitting up in bed and looking around, walking, or even driving in a car. The individual usually has little or no memory of the incident and may need someone to convince him or her that it occurred at all. Treatment strategies are preventive approaches to reducing the triggers and making the sufferer safe.
- Increasing the amount of sleep time and improving sleep habits
- Reducing stress and establishing relaxing techniques around bedtime
- Reviewing the prescriptions the individual takes and any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to sleep walking
- Making the environment safe and secure- door alarms may be beneficial in some cases
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RLS is a neurologic movement disorder characterized by disruptive intense urges to move and by uncomfortable sensations in the legs. Suffers often describe their feelings as "creepy crawler" feelings in their legs. These sensations can disturb sleep and cause sleep deprivation. RLS occurs when someone is awake and is commonly associated with Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD), which occurs during sleep. PLMD is a rhythmic pattern of legs and arms kicking, twitching and or moving during sleep.
| Causes of RLS |
- Genetics
- Vitamin/iron deficiencies
- Pregnancy
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- End stage renal disease (dialysis)
- Neuropathy
- Caffeine/stimulants/nicotine/medications
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The diagnosis of RLS is made by a complete medical history and physical exam by a neurologist or sleep specialist. The treatment for RLS requires the establishment of good sleep habits, treating any underlying associated medical conditions, various medication treatments, and comfort strategies to reduce the symptoms of RLS. Sometimes testing, such as blood work, X-rays and or an overnight sleep study, may be done.
| Comfort Strategies |
- Hot baths/heating pads
- Ice packs
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- Leg massage
- Moderate exercise
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Notify your physician and seek the help of a specialist if you are experiencing these symptoms
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