Why do some people sleep walk and why are there so few who do?

looney_tunes

It's not actually that rare - approximately 15% of the population, or about 1 person in 6, will sleepwalk at some time. It is more commonly seen in children than in adults. Causes include genetic factors; environmental factors such as sleep deprivation, chaotic sleep schedules, fever, stress, magnesium deficiency, and alcohol intoxication,some drugs [for example, sedative/hypnotics (drugs that promote sleep), neuroleptics (drugs used to treat psychosis), minor tranquilizers (drugs that produce a calming effect), stimulants (drugs that increase activity), and antihistamines (drugs used to treat symptoms of allergy)]; and physiological factors such as pregnancy and menstruation. The length and depth of slow wave sleep, which is greater in young children, may be a factor in the increased frequency of sleepwalking in children. http://www.emedicinehealth.com/sleepwalking/page2_em.htm Jun 12 09, 10:16 PM

star_gazer

This poor fellow has been accused of murder while he was sleep walking. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/manchester/4337309.stm Jun 12 09, 10:49 PM