Sleepwalking (somnambulism) is a common sleep disorder. It can be found at a ratio of 1:6 children, and 1:50 adults. Somnabulism may be a genetically inherited diosorder since studies found that sleepwalking tend to occur in families with relative showing the same symptom. The gene that causes sleepwalking bears a 50% probability of being passed down from one generation, to the next. Somnabulism is categorized as a behavior disorder.
GABA, whose scientific name is gamma-aminobutyric acid, is a neurotransmitter that calms the brain and CNS (central nervous system). This produces the effect of quietening and deactivating activities during sleep. Some people have nervous systems that do not respond to GABA. The body tends to remain active, even during sleep. This kind of person may be able to do a range of activities in sleep, which are seen as sleepwalking.
Sleepwalkers may have different responses during sleep, because of stress and anxiety in their day. These stimulants are carried forwards into the night, when they continue to stimulate the brain and CNS. This explains their sleepwalking activities.
Mindful Doodles #328 – Sleepwalking and painting
If you sleep and dream of painting your picture, then you wake up and think it was only a dream. Then when you check your canvas, you see wet paint. You are in shock because you can’t believe you actually painted on your canvas while sleeping and dreaming about it.
Photo prompt from The Daily Spur – silhouette of man walking.
