ARE YOU A SLEEPWALKER?

Those of you who follow me on Facebook may have seen that over the weekend I had my first experience, for many of year, of sleepwalking and being semi-conscious of what I was doing.  I believe I'd had a bad dream and wanted to nip to the loo before going back to slip.  The bathroom is just next door but somehow I didn't get there and where I was I couldn't understand why the loo was missing, the urge to go got worse and worse until I peed where I was.  Don't remember anything then until getting up when the alarm went off, started going downstairs only to find I'd actually done it on the landing, over a load of dvds I'd knocked off a shelf(cracking the shelf too).  Imagine my shame, even the dog never does its business in the house!  I was also covered in scratches and bruises so god knows what else I'd done but can't recall.

So if you personally or you know someone who likes to go for a midnight wander, here's a bit more about it.

Sleepwalking, formally known as somnambulism, is a behaviour disorder that originates during deep sleep and results in walking or performing other complex behaviours while asleep. It is much more common in children than adults and is more likely to occur if a person is sleep deprived. Because a sleepwalker typically remains in deep sleep throughout the episode, he or she may be difficult to awaken and will probably not remember the sleepwalking incident.

The exact cause of sleepwalking is unknown, but it seems to run in families. You’re more likely to sleepwalk if other members of your close family have or had sleepwalking behaviours or night terrors.
The following things can trigger sleepwalking or make it worse:

• not getting enough sleep
• stress and anxiety
• infection with a fever (especially in children)
• drinking too much alcohol
• taking recreational drugs 
• certain types of medication, such as some sedatives
• being startled by a sudden noise or touch, causing abrupt waking from deep sleep
• waking up suddenly from deep sleep because you need to go to the toilet

(I can relate to 4 of the above that night, what a lethal cocktail waiting to happen)


Most sleepwalking episodes last less than 10 minutes, but can be longer. At the end of each episode, the person may wake up or they may return to bed and go to sleep. They won't normally have any memory of it in the morning or have patchy memory. If woken while sleepwalking, the person may feel confused and not remember what happened.
The best thing to do if you see someone sleepwalking is to make sure they are safe.
Gently guide them back to bed by reassuring them. If undisturbed, they will often go back to sleep again. Sometimes, gently waking the person after they have fully come out of the episode, before settling them back to sleep, will prevent another episode occurring from the same deep sleep cycle.
Don't shout or startle the person and don't try to physically restrain them unless they're in danger, as they may lash out.  Dave was blissfully unaware of any of this taking place as nothing has been said and I created the story of tripping up the stairs in my slippers whilst carrying mugs of tea to explain the damp patch on the landing.
There's no specific treatment for sleepwalking, but it generally helps to try to get enough sleep and have a regular and relaxing routine before bedtime.
The following advice may be helpful:

• try to go to bed at a similar time each night
• make sure your bedroom is dark and quiet when you go to sleep
• limit drinks before bedtime, particularly those containing caffeine, and go to the toilet before going to sleep
• find ways to relax before going to bed, such as having a warm bath, reading or deep breathing

Hopefully there won't be any repeat performances, I'll have to start wearing a nappy to bed!!

Til next week, take care

FITNESS PILATES;What's available?

With interest increasing, here are thee options currently available and where:

FP 1:2:1 sessions.  1 hour duration available at my home studio  or at The Riverside.  £30
FP+1  These are the same as 1:2:1 sessions but you can bring your +1.  Partner, best friend, it's up to you. The Riverside only.  £40
FP+Massage  A 40 minute FP session followed by a relaxing back massage.  75 minute treatment time in total.  The Riverside.  £45