Updated: Mar 8, 2007
Somnambulism (ie, sleepwalking) is a disorder of arousal that falls under the parasomnia group. Parasomnias are undesirable motor, verbal, or experiential events that occur during sleep. These phenomena occur as primary sleep events or secondary to systemic disease. They are categorized as those occurring in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep; those occurring during non–rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep; and miscellaneous types that do not relate to any specific sleep state.
The parasomnias have been thought to represent not pathologic cerebral functioning but rather a response to CNS activation that results in sleep-wake or REM-NREM state confusion, instability, or overlap. Recent studies, however, demonstrate differences between sleep patterns and neuronal sleep control mechanisms in individuals with parasomnias compared with those without. Normal sleep involves cyclic hypnic patterns throughout the night between wakefulness, NREM, and REM states. The CNS remains active during all sleep-wake states, although rapid changes are required in neural networks, rhythms, and neurotransmitters with state changes. The length of each cycle averages 50 minutes for a full-term newborn, increasing to approximately 90 minutes by adolescence.
Slow wave sleep (SWS) normally occurs in the first 2 hypnic cycles; younger children have an additional SWS period toward the end of the sleep period. Children typically enter their deepest sleep within 15 minutes of sleep onset, and this first SWS period lasts from 45-75 minutes. This explains why it is easy to move children without rousing them soon after sleep onset. Parasomnias occur as children are caught in a mixed state of transition from one sleep cycle to the next (eg, NREM-wakefulness). This transition state is characterized by a high arousal threshold, mental confusion, and unclear perception.
Sleepwalkers appear to have an abnormality in slow wave sleep regulation. The dissociation that occurs between body and mind sleep appears to arise from activation of thalamocingulate pathways with persisting deactivation of other thalamocortical arousal systems. The first slow wave sleep period of the night is considered to be more disturbed in somnambulistic individuals, and the entire NREM-REM sleep cycle is more fragmented. Because these disorders occur more frequently in children, these differences have been suggested as signs of CNS immaturity.
Disorders of arousal are all more prevalent in children than adults. Confusional arousals are reported in 5-15% of children. Sleep terrors have an incidence of approximately 1%.
In Sweden, the incidence of quiet sleepwalking is reported as 40% with a yearly prevalence of 6-17%. Only 2-3% report more than 1 episode per month, and 33% report only a single episode.
In a survey of adults in the United Kingdom, 2.2% reported having night terrors, 2.0% reported sleep walking, and 4.2% reported confusional arousals.
The NREM parasomnias are rarely associated with any significant morbidity, although children can strike objects during sleepwalking and occasionally become injured. Sleep-disordered breathing and, to a lesser extent, restless legs syndrome have been associated in children, although with less frequency than reported in adults. The incidence of associated sleep disorders has been reported to be as high as 61%.
Morbidity in adolescents and adults may be more significant. More complex motor behaviors such as driving a car, cooking, eating, or playing a musical instrument have been reported. Injurious behaviors to the patient and/or bed partner may be associated with forensic medicine implications. An increased incidence of psychiatric disorders such as neuroses, panic disorder, phobias, and suicidal ideations has been reported in both these groups. Sleep-disordered breathing, including a sense of choking or blocked breathing, has also been reported. The respiratory events may have a deleterious effect on sleep by increasing arousals and sleep fragmentation.
No racial predilection is known.
Sleepwalking and confusional arousals have an equal incidence in males and females. Sleep terrors are more common in boys.
Sleepwalking occurs most commonly in middle childhood and preadolescence, with a peak incidence in children aged 11-12 years. Confusional arousals are most common in toddlers and preschool-aged children. Sleep terrors occur most commonly in children aged 4-12 years.
The most common pediatric parasomnia disorders of arousal include sleepwalking, confusional arousals, and sleep terrors. Parasomnia events have a predilection for occurring during deep sleep (stages III and IV, or SWS), are known to occur during all stages of NREM sleep, and are possible at any time during the night. As most SWS is achieved in the earlier segments of the sleep period, these phenomena usually are seen in the first one third of the sleep cycle and rarely during naps.
Physical and neurological examinations are typically normal in these children.
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| Benign Neonatal Convulsions | Periodic Limb Movement Disorder |
| Benign Positional Vertigo | Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures |
| Chronic Paroxysmal Hemicrania | REM Sleep Behavior Disorder |
| Cluster Headache | Shuddering Attacks |
| Complex Partial Seizures | Temporal Lobe Epilepsy |
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| First Seizure: Pediatric Perspective | |
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Arrhythmias
Benign epilepsy syndromes
Dissociative states
Dream anxiety attacks
Epilepsy in children
Gastroesophageal reflux
Nocturnal asthma
Panic attack
Posttraumatic stress disorder
Sleep apnea
Tonic seizures
Miscellaneous sleep disorders: These are not sleep state specific. While the more common disorders frequently generate questions for the pediatrician, they are generally less anxiety provoking than the NREM parasomnias.
Sleepwalking associated with sleep-disordered breathing may improve or resolve with surgical treatment of the respiratory disorder.
The goal of pharmacotherapy is to reduce morbidity and to prevent complications. In addition to the agents listed below, up to 6 mg Melatonin may be used at bedtime.
These agents, comprising a complex group of drugs, have central and peripheral anticholinergic effects and sedative effects. They block the active reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin.
Increases synaptic concentration of serotonin and/or norepinephrine in CNS by inhibiting reuptake at presynaptic neuronal membrane. Useful as analgesic for certain types of chronic and neuropathic pain.
30-100 mg/d PO hs
Children: 0.1 mg/kg PO hs; increase as tolerated over 2-3 wk to 0.5-2 mg/d hs
Adolescents: 25-50 mg/d PO hs; increase gradually to 100 mg/d in divided doses
Phenobarbital may decrease effects; coadministration with CYP2D6 enzyme system inhibitors (eg, cimetidine, quinidine) may increase levels; inhibits hypotensive effects of guanethidine; may interact with thyroid medications, alcohol, CNS depressants, barbiturates, and disulfiram
Documented hypersensitivity; patients who have taken MAOIs in past 14 d
D - Unsafe in pregnancy
Caution in cardiac conduction disturbances, history of hyperthyroidism, or renal or hepatic impairment; use caution in elderly persons
Has demonstrated effectiveness in treatment of chronic pain. Increases synaptic concentration of serotonin and/or norepinephrine in CNS by inhibiting their reuptake by presynaptic neuronal membrane. Additional pharmacodynamic effects such as desensitization of adenyl cyclase and downregulation of beta-adrenergic receptors and serotonin receptors appear to play role.
25 mg PO tid/qid; not to exceed 150 mg/d
<25 kg: Not recommended
25-35 kg: 10-20 mg/d PO
35-54 kg: 25-35 mg/d PO
>54 kg: Administer as in adults
Cimetidine may increase levels; may increase PT in patients stabilized on warfarin
Documented hypersensitivity; narrow-angle glaucoma; patients who have taken MAOIs in past 14 d
D - Unsafe in pregnancy
Caution in cardiac conduction disturbances, history of hyperthyroidism, or renal or hepatic impairment; because of pronounced effects in cardiovascular system, use caution in elderly persons
A large group of compounds with a benzene ring nucleus fused to a 7-sided diazepine ring. Benzodiazepines bind to specific receptors in association with GABA-binding sites on chloride channels. The frequency of channel opening is increased, increasing flow of chloride ions into neurons. Their relatively high therapeutic index and lower abuse potential than many of other sedative-hypnotics have made them sedative-hypnotic drugs of choice.
Believed to enhance activity of inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA in CNS. Antiseizure and antipanic effectiveness has been demonstrated. Generally considered DOC for disorders of arousal.
0.5 mg PO hs initial dose for sleep disorders; may increase rapidly to 1 mg prn
0.25 mg PO 1 h before hs initial dose; increase cautiously prn
Cimetidine, disulfiram, isoniazid, and estrogens may increase plasma levels of 2-keto benzodiazepines; antacids and food may decrease absorption, and smoking may decrease metabolism; may increase plasma levels of phenytoin and digoxin; additive CNS depressant effects with other benzodiazepines and sedative drugs
Documented hypersensitivity; severe liver disease; acute narrow-angle glaucoma
D - Unsafe in pregnancy
In patients with multiple seizure types, may worsen generalized tonic-clonic seizures; abrupt withdrawal may cause status epilepticus; caution in renal impairment and those with difficulty handling secretions; tolerance of adverse effects rarely a problem; monitor for daytime sedation when increasing dose
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parasomnias of childhood, noctambulation, noctambulism, oneirodynia activa, sleepwalking, somnambulance, sleep walking, somnambulism, REM sleep, rapid eye movement sleep, NREM sleep, non-rapid eye movement sleep, slow wave sleep, SWS, sleepwalkers, disorders of arousal, sleep-disordered breathing, restless leg syndrome, sleep terrors
Gregory Ackroyd, MD, Consulting Staff, North Bay Sleep Medicine Institute
Gregory Ackroyd, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Neurology, American Academy of Sleep Medicine, and American Medical Association
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
O'Neill F D'Cruz, MD, Professor, Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Director, Pediatric Sleep Program, University of North Carolina
O'Neill F D'Cruz, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Neurology, American Academy of Sleep Medicine, American Medical Association, Child Neurology Society, and North Carolina Medical Society
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Stephen J Sharp, MD, Chief, Department of Pediatric Neurology, Keesler Medical Center
Stephen J Sharp, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Neurology, American Academy of Pediatrics, and Child Neurology Society
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Anthony M Murro, MD, Laboratory Director, Professor, Department of Neurology, Medical College of Georgia
Anthony M Murro, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Neurology and American Epilepsy Society
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD, Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Kenneth J Mack, MD, PhD, Senior Associate Consultant, Department of Child and Adolescent Neurology, Mayo Clinic
Kenneth J Mack, MD, PhD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Neurology, Child Neurology Society, Phi Beta Kappa, and Society for Neuroscience
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Selim R Benbadis, MD, Professor, Director of Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University of South Florida School of Medicine, Tampa General Hospital
Selim R Benbadis, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Neurology, American Academy of Sleep Medicine, American Clinical Neurophysiology Society, American Epilepsy Society, and American Medical Association
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Nicholas Y Lorenzo, MD, Chief Editor, eMedicine Neurology; Consulting Staff, Neurology Specialists and Consultants
Nicholas Y Lorenzo, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha and American Academy of Neurology
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
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