HOMEOPATHY FOR SOMNAMBULISM OR SLEEPWALKING

Somnambulism or sleepwalking is a behavior in which the child gets up during the night and walks or does other activities. The child usually does not remember getting up or being engaged in the activities. The patient carries out automatic motor activities that range from simple to complex. He may leave the bed, walk about or leave the house. Arousal is difficult and accidents may occur during sleepwalking.

Sleepwalking tends to occur during the first part of the night, usually within an hour or two of falling asleep.

Causes

Causes of somnambulism include:

·        Hereditary (the condition may run in families).

·        Lack of sleep or extreme fatigue.

·        Interrupted sleep or unproductive sleep, from disorders like sleep apnea.

·        Illness or fever.

·        Certain medications, such as hypnotics, sedatives or certain medications used for psychiatric disorders.

·        Stress, anxiety.

·        Going to bed with full bladder.

·        Noises or touches.

·        Changes in sleep environment or different sleep setting (e.g. a hotel).

·        Migraines.

·        Head injuries.

·        Substance use, such as alcohol.

·        Restless leg syndrome.

·        Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Symptoms

In addition to getting out of bed and walking around, other symptoms exhibited by sleepwalkers include:

·        Sitting up in bed and repeating movements, such as rubbing eyes or tugging on pajamas.

·        Looking dazed. Sleepwalkers’ eyes are open but they do not see the same way they do when they are fully awake.

·        Clumsy or awkward behavior.

·        Not responding when spoken to, or responses may not make sense.

·        Being difficult to wake up.

·        Talking in their sleep.

·        Have sleep terrors in addition to sleepwalking.

·        Not remember the episode in the morning.

·        Urinating in undesirable places (for instance, a closet).

·        Be disoriented or confused for a short time after being awakened.

·        Have problems functioning during the day because of disturbed sleep.

Sometimes, a person who is sleepwalking will:

·        Do routine activities, such as getting dressed, talking or eating.

·        Leave the house.

·        Drive a car.

·        Engage in sexual activities without awareness.

·        Get injured, for example, by falling down the stairs or jumping out a window.

·        Become violent during the period of brief confusion immediately after waking or, occasionally, during sleepwalking.

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES

Homoeopathy today is a rapidly growing system and is being practised all over the world. It strength lies in its evident effectiveness as it takes a holistic approach towards the sick individual through promotion of inner balance at mental, emotional, spiritual and physical levels. When sleepwalking is concerned there are many effective medicines available in Homoeopathy , but the selection depends upon the individuality of the patient , considering mental and physical symptoms.

ARTEMESIA VULGARIS:  Sleepwalking. Gets up at night and works, but remembers nothing in the morning.

IGNATIA AMARA: Sleepwalking from wounded pride, honor. Sees everything that passes in the street, but forgets after waking. Dreams, same horrid dreams again and again. Disturbed sleep from grief, depression, and worries.

KALI BROMATUM: Sleep walking in children,  gets up while asleep, walks about and lies down again.  Night terrors of children. Horrible dreams, cannot be comforted by friends.   Grinding of teeth in sleep, screams, moans, and cries. Nervous motion of feet when asleep.

KALI PHOSPHORICUM: Sleepwalking. Night terrors of children.  Amorous dreams, restlessness, and heat during sleep. Drowsy and yawning in the morning. Sleeplessness due to overwork, worry and disease.

LUNA: Sleepwalking. Climbing the roofs, the railings of bridge or balcony. Symptoms worse after waking. Horrible dreams of death ofmurder, waking in affright. Felt as if had not slept enough.

NATRUM MURIATICUM: Sleep-walking, rises and sits about room. Starts and talks in sleep. Sobs during sleep. Dreams of robbers. Nervous jerking during sleep. Awakes feeling weak.

PHOSPHORUS: Sleepwalking. Lascivious dreams. Vivid dreams of fire, of hemorrhage. Restlessness and disturbed sleep. Feels in the morning as if he had not slept enough. Crying, moaning,  and jerking of limbs during sleeping.

SILICEA: Somnambulism. Night walking, gets up while asleep, walks about and lies down again. Night walking, especially in new and full moon. Talks loudly, whines or laughs. Frequent starts in sleep. Anxious dreams. Frightful dreams wake him on falling to sleep. Dreams lascivious of past events. Awakes frightened from sleep with trembling of the whole body.

STRAMONIUM: Frightful dreams. Sleepwalking, get up at midnight with confusion.  Child awakes terrified, knows no one, screams with fright, clings to those near him. Weeping in dreams. Laughs, screams, starts during sleep.

ZINCUM METALLICUM: Sleepwalking after suppressed emotions. Cries out while sleeping, body jerks, wakes frightened, startled. Loud screaming in sleep without being aware of it. Disturbed sleep with frequent waking.