For children and adults, sleepwalking is usually a sign of lack of sleep, intense emotional problems, stress, or fever . As these conditions resolve, sleepwalking incidences disappear.
In most cases, no treatment is necessary because sleepwalking rarely indicates any serious underlying medical or psychiatric problem.
In most children, sleepwalking disappears at puberty. However, it can occasionally persist into adulthood or may even begin in adulthood.
Consult a sleep specialist if the person is having frequent episodes, injuring himself or herself, or showing violent behavior.
The following measures can be taken by a person who has a sleepwalking disorder:
Relaxation techniques, mental imagery, and anticipatory awakenings are preferred for long-term treatment of persons with sleepwalking disorder.
Follow-up with your sleep disorders specialist if symptoms persist, or if injury to self or to others occurs.
The outlook for resolution of the disorder is excellent.
Sleepwalking is not a serious disorder, although children can be injured by objects during sleepwalking.
Although disruptive and frightening for parents in the short term, sleepwalking is not associated with long-term complications.
Prolonged disturbed sleep may be associated with school and behavioral issues.