Sleepwalking and prolonged partial sleep paralysis in a case of obstructive sleep apnea

Abstract

Observation of episodes of sleepwalking and prolonged partial sleep paralysis in the same patient is a rare condition. We present a case of 42 years gentleman who presented with recurrent episodes of sleepwalking and prolonged incomplete sleep paralysis. He was on tablet divalproate 1000mg/ day and tablet olanzapine 5mg/day in view of a psychotic episode that occurred 4 years ago. Polysomnography suggested presence of moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with intrusion of alpha waves in sleep. Considering only one psychotic episode with no other risk factors, these medications were gradually tapered and discontinued. Symptoms improved after tablet clonazepam 0.5mg at bedtime even while he was not compliant to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).

Keywords

• obstructive sleep apnea
• sleepwalking
• sleep paralysis
• somnambulism
• parasomnias