Sleepwalking is described as an individual moving around while asleep, possibly performing a range of different actions but not as well as if they were awake. Sleepwalking is quite common in children, and usually happens during the deepest stages of sleep, during the non-REM cycle of sleep.
Sleepwalking can be a serious issue for people of all ages. As they are asleep, and have no conscious control over their actions, their body, or where they might possibly go, they can wind up in quite dangerous situations. For example, there was one man who began sleepwalking one night and managed to make his way onto a train. When he woke up, he found himself on the other side of the country. There’s waking up on the wrong side of the bed, and there’s simply foregoing the bed altogether.
Another thing about sleepwalking is that sleepwalkers have absolutely no memory of what they do while sleepwalking. You could wake up to a messy house with nobody having any idea of what went on! There are countless, hilarious videos online of people who have set up cameras around their homes to catch the unconscious antics of their friends or family.
5 facts about sleepwalking:
1. Sleepwalking, also known as somnambulism, is a sleep disorder that causes a person to get up and walk around while they are still asleep. It typically occurs during deep, non-REM sleep and can last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes or more.
2. Sleepwalking is more common in children than in adults, but it can occur at any age. It is estimated that around 1-15% of the general population experiences sleepwalking at some point in their lives.
3. Sleepwalking is often triggered by certain factors, such as sleep deprivation, fever, stress, alcohol, and certain medications. It can also run in families and may be more common in people who have a history of sleepwalking.
4. While sleepwalking is generally not harmful in and of itself, it can lead to injury if the person falls or trips while walking. Sleepwalkers are also at risk of engaging in potentially dangerous activities, such as driving, cooking, or leaving the house.
5. There is no cure for sleepwalking, but it can be managed through a variety of strategies, such as improving sleep hygiene, reducing stress, and avoiding alcohol and other triggers. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help reduce the frequency and severity of sleepwalking episodes. It is important to speak with a doctor if you or someone you know is experiencing sleepwalking, especially if it is causing significant disruption to daily life or posing a risk to safety.
While sleepwalkers may be caught wreaking havoc on camera, it may not be the best idea to wake them. Sleepwalking happens most commonly in the deepest stage of sleep, and it’s very difficult to wake them up. It is possible, but if you do, it can be quite dangerous. Because you’re bringing a person to a state of consciousness from their deepest stage of sleep, it is likely to leave them groggy, disoriented or agitated for up to half an hour. If they were in the fourth stage of sleep, they may even not recognise you, and lash out.
Many sleep specialists suggest the best way to deal with sleepwalkers is to guide them gently by the arm back to bed, making sure to avoid sharp objects and other hazards in the environment. If they resist, and become agitated but remain asleep, it’s best to guide them somewhere safe temporarily, and then bring them to a familiar environment once you’ve removed any potential hazards. You should wake them with loud noises instead of touching or shaking them in a rough manner, as this also reduces their chances of lashing out blindly.
Fortunately this sort of sleepwalking is considerably less common than the others, but it never hurts to be prepared.
How to Cure Sleepwalking
1. Improving sleep hygiene: Maintaining a regular sleep schedule, avoiding stimulants such as caffiene and nicotine, creating a quiet and comfortable sleep environment, and avoiding screens and electronics before bed can help improve sleep quality and reduce the likelihood of sleepwalking. Read more about the most effective sleep rituals.
2. Addressing underlying medical conditions: Sleepwalking may be caused or worsened by underlying medical conditions, such as sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome. Treating these conditions can help reduce the frequency and severity of sleepwalking episodes.
3. Medication: In some cases, medication such as benzodiazepines or antidepressants may be prescribed to help reduce the frequency and intensity of sleepwalking episodes.
4. Hypnotherapy: Hypnosis can be used to help individuals identify triggers for sleepwalking and develop coping strategies to prevent episodes.
5. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT can help individuals identify and modify negative thought patterns or behaviors that may be contributing to sleepwalking, such as stress or anxiety. It may also include relaxation techniques to promote better sleep.
It is important to speak with a healthcare professional if you or someone you know is experiencing sleepwalking, especially if it is causing significant disruption to daily life or posing a risk to safety.
