Sleepwalking, also known as parasmonia, is a sleep disorder in which a person performs complex activities, such as walking, while still asleep or partially asleep. While sleepwalking does not appear to be caused directly by a nutritional deficiency, such deficiencies can lead to symptoms that may in turn cause sleepwalking. Talk to a health care provider if you need medical advice or assistance with sleepwalking or a nutritional deficiency.
Somnambulism
Sleepwalking, also known by the medical term somnambulism, can affect people at any age, though it is most common in children between the ages of 8 and 12, according to the Mayo Clinic. Sleepwalking is often benign in nature and does not require any treatment, nor is it symptomatic of a more significant medical problem. However, it can involve dangerous behavior, such as walking around in or climbing up to high places.
Nutritional Deficiencies
The human body requires various vitamins and minerals to maintain optimal health, and when people don't metabolize enough of these, they can develop nutritional deficiencies. Symptoms of nutritional deficiencies vary depending on factors such as the particular nutrient and the severity of the deficiency, but can include symptoms such as fatigue and restlessness, conditions which may, in turn, lead to sleepwalking. For example, a person with a B5 or B7 deficiency may experience fatigue as a result, according to Colorado State University.
Sleepwaking Causes
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are a variety of causes associated with sleepwalking. These include sleep deprivation, fatigue, stress, anxiety, fever and sleeping in unfamiliar places. Other medical conditions may also cause or trigger sleepwalking, such as migraine headaches, restless leg syndrome, head injuries and seizure disorders. However, nutritional deficiencies are not generally recognized by health experts as a cause of sleepwalking.
Treatment
Treatment for sleepwalking varies, but can include simple strategies, such as removing dangerous objects from your bedroom or locking doors and windows, to more serious treatments that include prescription tranquilizers or antidepressants. If you have a nutritional deficiency that causes fatigue or sleeplessness, you may also need to change your diet or take nutritional supplements. Nutritional supplements differ widely, but include nutrient-specific supplements, such as vitamins B5 or B7, or general supplements, such as daily multivitamins, that can help prevent deficiencies in the first place. Check with a health care professional before taking supplements to address nutritional deficiencies.
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