Sleepwalking Is Common

Americans are surprisingly active at night. That’s the conclusion of a survey of more than 19,000 adults. Nearly one in three reported that they have walked in their sleep at some point. People who take antidepressant medications like Lexapro and sertraline are more likely to wander in their sleep. People with depression or OCD are also at risk of nocturnal wandering even if they do not take medication. Over-the-counter sleeping pills and PM pain relievers containing diphenhydramine also contribute to the risk of sleep walking or other activity.
We offer many ideas on nondrug approaches to insomnia in our Guide to Getting a Good Night’s Sleep.
[Neurology, May 15, 2012]