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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]

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About the Author
Terry Graedon, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and co-host of The People’s Pharmacy radio show, co-author of The People’s Pharmacy syndicated newspaper columns and numerous books, and co-founder of The People’s Pharmacy website. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. She is a Fellow of the Society of Applied Anthropology. Terry is one of the country's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies..
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