Insomnia and sleepwalking are two commonly occurring sleep disorders that affect a significant portion of the adult population. These conditions can have a profound impact on the quality of life and overall well-being of individuals. Insomnia is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing non-restorative sleep, leading to daytime impairments such as fatigue, daytime sleepiness, mood disturbances, and impaired cognitive functioning. On the other hand, sleepwalking, also known as somnambulism, involves performing complex behaviors while in a state of partial arousal during sleep.
Insomnia is a widespread sleep complaint affecting approximately one-third of adults at some point in their lives (Sateia et al., 2017). Chronic insomnia, defined as experiencing symptoms at least three nights per week for a duration of three months or more, affects 6 to 10% of the population (Ohayon, 2002). It is important to note that insomnia can be a primary disorder, where it occurs independently, or it can be secondary, resulting from underlying medical conditions, medication use, substance abuse, or another sleep disorder.
Several factors contribute to the development and maintenance of insomnia. Psychophysiological factors, such as excessive worrying and heightened arousal, play a significant role. Environmental factors, such as noise, temperature, and comfort, can also affect sleep quality. Additionally, lifestyle factors, including irregular sleep-wake schedules, caffeine consumption, and lack of physical activity, can contribute to the persistence of insomnia. Furthermore, psychological and psychiatric comorbidities, such as depression, anxiety, and stress, often co-occur with insomnia, creating a complex interplay between sleep and mental health.
Sleepwalking, on the other hand, is a parasomnia disorder that typically occurs during the non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep stages, particularly during slow-wave sleep. Sleepwalking episodes usually consist of complex motor behaviors, such as walking, talking, and performing routine tasks, while the individual remains in a state of relative unawareness and amnesia about the events afterward. These episodes can last from a few seconds to several minutes and may involve a wide range of activities, including eating, rearranging furniture, or even driving a vehicle in rare instances.
While the exact cause of sleepwalking is not fully understood, there are several precipitating factors. These factors include sleep deprivation, irregular sleep schedules, stress, fever, certain medications, alcohol use, and underlying sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome. Moreover, genetic predisposition and a family history of sleepwalking are considered risk factors associated with an increased likelihood of developing sleepwalking.
The diagnosis of insomnia and sleepwalking in adults is carried out through a comprehensive evaluation that includes a detailed clinical history and, in some cases, additional objective measures such as polysomnography or actigraphy. Polysomnography involves monitoring various physiological parameters during sleep, such as brain activity (electroencephalography), eye movements, muscle tone, and respiratory function, to differentiate between different sleep disorders and assess their severity. Actigraphy, a noninvasive method, uses a wrist-worn device to monitor movement patterns and rest-activity cycles, providing valuable information about sleep-wake patterns over extended periods.
The treatment approaches for insomnia and sleepwalking differ based on the underlying causes, severity of symptoms, and individual needs. In the case of insomnia, the management typically involves a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. Non-pharmacological approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), focus on addressing the cognitive and behavioral factors that perpetuate insomnia symptoms. This therapeutic approach emphasizes sleep hygiene education, relaxation techniques, stimulus control, and sleep restriction to promote healthier sleep patterns. Pharmacological options include sedative-hypnotic medications, such as benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics, which are prescribed based on careful assessment of risks and benefits.
For sleepwalking, the primary treatment goal is to ensure safety during episodes and prevent injuries. This may involve making environmental modifications to reduce the risk of accidents and implementing security measures to prevent dangerous behaviors, such as sleepwalking outside the house. In some cases, pharmacotherapy with medications, such as benzodiazepines or tricyclic antidepressants, may be considered, particularly in individuals with frequent or disruptive sleepwalking episodes.
In conclusion, insomnia and sleepwalking are two significant sleep disorders that commonly affect adults. Both conditions can have a negative impact on individuals’ quality of life and may require appropriate management to alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being. Understanding the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment options for these disorders is crucial in providing effective care for individuals experiencing insomnia and sleepwalking. By addressing the underlying causes and tailoring treatment approaches to individual needs, healthcare professionals can contribute to improved sleep outcomes and enhanced overall health in those affected by these sleep disorders.
