Sleepwalking: My Journey to Overcoming the Nighttime Habit

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Sleepwalking, also known as somnambulism, is a parasomnia disorder that affects approximately 3.6% of adults and 17% of children. It is a condition in which individuals engage in complex behaviors while asleep, such as walking, talking, or even driving. I have been a sleepwalker for as long as I can remember, and it has been a journey to overcome this nighttime habit. In this blog post, I will share my personal experience with sleepwalking and the steps I took to finally overcome it.

My journey with sleepwalking began in my childhood. I remember my parents telling me stories of how I would often wake up in different parts of the house, or even outside, without any recollection of how I got there. As a child, I found it amusing and never really thought much about it. But as I grew older, my sleepwalking became more frequent and disruptive. I would often wake up in the middle of the night, completely disoriented and confused. I would find myself in dangerous situations, such as standing on the edge of a balcony or attempting to leave the house. It was not only scary for me but also for my family, who would have to constantly keep an eye on me during the night.

As I reached my teenage years, my sleepwalking became a source of embarrassment and frustration. I would often wake up in my friend’s house after sleepovers, not remembering how I got there. I was also afraid to go on overnight school trips or sleep at a friend’s house because I didn’t want to sleepwalk and disturb others. I felt like I had no control over my own body, and it was affecting my social life and overall well-being.

I decided to seek help when I started college. I was afraid of sleepwalking in a new environment, especially if I had roommates. I went to see a sleep specialist, who diagnosed me with sleepwalking. The specialist explained that sleepwalking is a result of a disruption in the sleep cycle, particularly during the deep sleep phase. This disruption can be caused by various factors, such as stress, sleep deprivation, or other sleep disorders.

The first step in my journey to overcome sleepwalking was to identify and address any underlying causes or triggers. I started keeping a sleep diary to track my sleep patterns and any potential triggers, such as stress or caffeine intake. I also made a conscious effort to establish a consistent bedtime routine and prioritize getting enough sleep each night.

Sleepwalking: My Journey to Overcoming the Nighttime Habit

The sleep specialist also recommended implementing safety measures in my bedroom, such as removing any sharp objects or locking doors and windows. I also started wearing a sleep shirt with a tight collar and long sleeves to make it more difficult for me to undress while sleepwalking.

My sleep specialist also prescribed me a medication called clonazepam, which is commonly used to treat sleepwalking. This medication helped me achieve a deeper and more restful sleep, reducing my sleepwalking episodes. However, I was also aware that medication was not a long-term solution, and I wanted to address the root cause of my sleepwalking.

In addition to medication, I also started practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation, to reduce stress and promote better sleep. I also made changes to my diet, cutting out caffeine and sugar, which can disrupt sleep.

Another crucial step in my journey was seeking therapy. I realized that my sleepwalking was not only a physical disorder but also had psychological roots. I had to address any underlying emotional issues and learn coping mechanisms to manage stress and anxiety. Therapy helped me gain a better understanding of my sleepwalking and its triggers, and I learned practical techniques to reduce the frequency and severity of my episodes.

It has been a long and challenging journey, but I am happy to say that I have finally overcome my sleepwalking habit. It took a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes for me to achieve this, but it has been worth it. I no longer have to worry about disturbing others during sleepovers or putting myself in dangerous situations.

If you are struggling with sleepwalking, my advice is to seek help and not be afraid to try different methods until you find what works for you. Do not be ashamed or embarrassed, as sleepwalking is a common disorder, and there is no shame in seeking help to overcome it. With determination and patience, you can overcome this nighttime habit and get the restful sleep you deserve.

In summary, sleepwalking is a parasomnia disorder that affects many individuals, including myself. It can be a scary and disruptive experience, but with the right approach, it is possible to overcome it. Steps such as identifying triggers, implementing safety measures, seeking therapy, and making lifestyle changes can all help manage and reduce sleepwalking episodes. With determination and patience, it is possible to overcome this nighttime habit and get a better night’s sleep.