Somnambulism or sleepwalking is a type of parasomnia, one of the many different sleep disorders that are characterized by a person to perform various complex activities in the middle of the sleep. It is a common misconception that sleepwalking only involves walking only, but sleepwalking can also involve many complex activities, such as eating, changing clothes, and even going out the house and drive long distances during sleep. There were studies and researches conducted that show vitamin deficiencies may lead to various symptoms that can possibly lead to sleepwalking, although vitamin deficiencies can’t directly cause sleepwalking.
Vitamin Deficiencies
For the body to function at its best numerous vitamins and minerals are required by the body. And in an event a person is not able to receive and metabolize enough amounts of vitamins and minerals needed by the body, he or she can possibly develop nutritional deficiencies. With symptoms associated with vitamin deficiencies, it will greatly depend on the specific vitamin or mineral that is deficient and how severe the deficiency is. Symptoms of vitamin deficiencies are commonly fatigue, sleeplessness and restlessness, which can possibly lead to episodes of sleepwalking.
Vitamin Deficiencies and Sleepwalking
Vitamin deficiencies do not typically cause sleepwalking, but as mentioned above symptoms of vitamin deficiencies, such as fatigue, sleeplessness, and restlessness can lead to sleepwalking. One possible cause for sleepwalking is sleep deprivation, and if certain vitamin deficiencies (Vitamin B5 and Vitamin B7). If the cause of a person’s sleepwalking is Vitamin B5 and/or Vitamin B7 deficiency, then taking nutrient-specific supplements of Vitamins B5 and B7 or even taking general supplements that contain numerous vitamins and minerals, such as multivitamins. Before taking any supplements that can address vitamin deficiencies, talking with health care professionals will be imported.
Other Causes of Sleepwalking
Aside from vitamin deficiencies that can possibly lead to sleepwalking, there are still other medical conditions that can lead to sleepwalking. Causative factors of sleepwalking can include fatigue, stress, sleep deprivation, fever or hyperthermia, anxiety, or even sleeping somewhere that is unfamiliar. For medical conditions that can possibly lead to sleepwalking include but not limited to, migraine headaches, restless leg syndromes, seizure disorders, head trauma or injuries, and various psychological disorders, such as post traumatic stress disorder. Sleepwalking also has genetic tendencies, for example if a parent is a known sleepwalker, his or her child has 10 times more at risk for sleepwalking.
