Sleepwalking arise from the slow weave sleep stage in a state of low consciousness and perform activities that are usually performed during a state of full consciousness. These activities can be as benign as sitting up in bed, waking to the bathroom, and cleaning, or as hazardous as cooking, driving, grabbing at hallucinated objects, or even homicide.
Causes
Sleepwalking has been described in medical literature dating before Hippocrates ( 460 BC-370 BC) is ascribe to her guilt and resulting insanity as a consequence of her involvement in the murder of her father-in -law. Sleepwalking is characterized by a complex behavior ( waking ) occurring while asleep. Occasionally nonsensical taking may occur. Approximately 15 percent of children between 4-12 years of age will experience sleepwalking. Usually, sleepwalking behaviors wane by late adolescence. Approximately 10 percent of all sleepwalkers begin their behavior as teens.
Sleepwalking isn't associated with previous sleep problems, sleeping alone in a room or with others, fear of the dark (achluophobia), or anger outbursts.
Some studies suggest that children who sleepwalk may have been more restless sleepers between the ages of four and five, and more restless with more frequent awakenings during first year of life.