Sleepwalking (somnambulism) involves getting up and moving around during deep sleep, common in children. Discover symptoms, understand potential triggers like sleep deprivation and stress, and explore tips for creating a safe environment.
Have you ever woken up to find yourself in a completely different part of the house with absolutely no memory of how you got there? Or maybe you’ve heard stories about people doing bizarre things in their sleep? We’re talking about sleepwalking, of course—scientifically known as somnambulism. It’s a sleep disorder that can be pretty unsettling, to say the least. What causes it, what are the symptoms, and how can you protect yourself or someone you know from it?
We’ll explore all of that below:
- What is sleepwalking?
- How common is sleepwalking?
- What are the symptoms of sleepwalking?
- Sleepwalking treatment
- Dealing with a sleepwalking episode
What is sleepwalking?
Sleepwalking is a disorder that happens during deep sleep. It involves getting up and moving around or doing other things while you’re still asleep. People who sleepwalk might walk around, or even perform more complex activities. It’s more common in children between the ages of three and seven, and it’s often outgrown by the time they hit their teens. Most of the time, a person is hard to wake up fully when they are sleepwalking.
Because sleepwalking happens during deep sleep, the person isn’t aware of what they’re doing. That means they probably won’t remember sleepwalking when they wake up, which can be a little freaky if you think about it.
It’s generally accepted that someone sleepwalking isn’t really in control of their actions, but that’s not to say it’s not serious. Waking a sleepwalker might startle them, but interrupting their sleepwalking doesn’t pose any risks.
Often, sleepwalking involves simple activities, like walking around, but people can do other things too, like snacking, talking, or even leaving the house.
How common is sleepwalking?
Sleepwalking affects somewhere between 1% and 15% of the general population, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. So, it’s not exactly rare.
Sleepwalking usually starts in childhood, often between the ages of three and seven. Kids who have trouble sleeping or who have sleep disorders or bedwetting problems are more likely to sleepwalk.
It’s worth mentioning that sleepwalking isn’t usually connected to any specific physical or mental health issue, although it can be genetic. If a child sleepwalks, their siblings are more likely to do so too.
Sleepwalking is also seen more often in people who have fevers, don’t get enough sleep, or are overly stressed. People who regularly consume alcohol, or others who take certain medications, might also be prone to it.
What are the symptoms of sleepwalking?
Sleepwalking happens during the first few hours of sleep, while you’re in a deep sleep phase, so it happens, as mentioned, without the person’s awareness or memory of the event.
There are a few common signs associated with sleepwalking, including:
- Not remembering what happened during the episode.
- Having a glazed-over look.
- Doing random, unintended things, like walking into the closet.
- Leaving the house.
- Aggression.
- Difficulty trying to wake them up while they’re sleepwalking.
These symptoms aren’t the same for everyone. Sometimes, the behaviors during sleepwalking are pretty mild, other times a person might just keep sleepwalking over and over.
Beyond the commonly known symptoms, there’s a fascinating interplay between sleepwalking and other parasomnias. Things like sleep terrors, REM sleep behavior disorder, and even sleep-related eating disorders can sometimes overlap or coexist with sleepwalking. So, if you’re experiencing sleepwalking, it’s helpful to discuss these possibilities with a healthcare provider to ensure a comprehensive understanding of your sleep health.
Sleepwalking treatment
There’s no specific treatment for sleepwalking.
That said, there are steps one can take:
- Stick to a sleep schedule: Try to go to bed and wake up around the same time every day, even on weekends.
- Avoid stimulants: Since alcohol negatively affects sleep, avoid it close to bedtime.
- Avoid alcohol: Alcohol can disrupt sleep and contribute to sleepwalking.
Doctors may also recommend checking the environment and making sure the sleepwalker does not harm themselves or others when sleepwalking.
Dealing with a sleepwalking episode
It’s important to follow these tips:
- Make sure the bedroom is a safe space with no hazards that could cause harm while sleepwalking.
- Lock the doors before going to bed.
If the person who’s sleepwalking is a child, parents need to be careful, and shouldn’t let the child realize that they are walking or acting in a strange manner.
Key takeaways
- Sleepwalking is a sleep disorder where someone gets up and moves around while still asleep, often without remembering it later.
- It’s more common in children, typically between ages 3 and 7, and often decreases by the time they reach their teens.
- There isn’t a specific treatment for sleepwalking, but maintaining a regular sleep schedule, avoiding stimulants, and ensuring a safe sleeping environment can help manage and prevent episodes.
FAQ, Myth & Facts
Is sleepwalking dangerous?
Sleepwalking itself isn’t dangerous, but the actions a person takes while sleepwalking can be. They might trip, fall, or even leave the house, which can lead to injuries or other dangerous situations.
Is it dangerous to wake a sleepwalker?
The myth that it’s dangerous to wake a sleepwalker is false. Waking them might startle or disorient them, but it won’t cause any physical harm. It’s better to gently guide them back to bed.
What triggers sleepwalking?
Sleepwalking can be triggered by sleep deprivation, stress, fever, certain medications, and alcohol consumption. For some people, it may also have a genetic component.
Can adults develop sleepwalking?
Yes, adults can develop sleepwalking, although it’s more common in children. In adults, sleepwalking can sometimes be linked to underlying medical conditions, sleep disorders, or mental health issues.
I remember one time when my son, who was about five at the time, started sleepwalking. He opened the front door and started walking outside. Luckily, I caught him before he got too far, but it was a scary experience. We immediately childproofed the doors to prevent it from happening again.
My partner used to sleepwalk quite frequently when we first started dating. It was unsettling, but we made sure the bedroom was free of any obstacles and always kept the doors locked. It helped us feel more secure, and eventually, the sleepwalking decreased on its own.
As a child, I had recurring episodes of sleepwalking, my parents found me once standing on a chair in the living room, and another time, I was “watering” the TV with my water bottle. They ensured all objects and potential hazards are out of my way, It’s comforting to know that sleepwalking can be managed effectively with the right precautions.
So, there you have it, um, a not-so-brief look at sleepwalking. It’s a quirky sleep disorder that affects quite a few people, especially children. I hope this helps you understand it a bit better. For me, hearing these stories just reinforces how important it is to create a safe sleep environment for ourselves and our loved ones. After all, a good night’s sleep shouldn’t involve any unexpected adventures around the house, right?
