News-Letter

It's 3 a.m., and your roommate is wandering around with a dazed expression and open eyes. When darkness falls and everyone is tucked in bed, the assumption is that one is safe asleep, and no harm can be done. However, there are those sleepers who wander around at their own risk, oblivious of their actions. Yet it seems people are more afraid of the consequences of waking up a sleepwalker rather than the harm a sleepwalker can do to him or herself. An old myth warns that waking a sleepwalker may give him or her a heart attack. This myth, however, is a great misconception that should put to rest.

Mild sleepwalkers have been known to have momentary episodes in which they may just get up and go back to sleep. In extreme cases, some walk around the house, attempt to eat or drink and do normal activities as if they were awake. Sleepwalking is not necessarily a disorder unless it's interfering with one's social activities, work and school. In fact, it is totally safe to wake one who is sleepwalking. Although a sleepwalker may have a blank expression, not seem to be paying attention to anything going on and not be able to remember their episode, their symptoms are normal.

Though waking a sleepwalker may not be dangerous, it could prove difficult. The best thing to do is to take them back to their bed. Precautions can be taken to prevent them from harming themselves while sleepwalking.

Sleepwalking is most common in children; out of ten children, one to three will sleepwalk at least once. By the age of 15, most children will have grown out of it. It is equally common in girls as in boys.

Sleepwalking as an adult without any previous history indicates that one may have medical problems. If you have such symptoms, or if someone you know does, consult a physician for help.

Next time you come across a sleepwalker, don't be scared to wake them up. It is better to wake one up than to let them wander around.

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