Understanding sleepwalking is the first step towards a better, safer night of sleep.
What is Sleepwalking?
Sleepwalking, also called somnambulism, is a type of sleep disorder known as a parasomnia. Individuals experiencing parasomnia straddle a line between sleep and wakefulness.
The symptoms of sleepwalking vary by episode and by person. Simple or even complex actions can occur while the individual is sleepwalking. It can be anything from walking around the house, as the name suggests, to getting dressed, or even going out for a jog. The person likely will have a blank look on their face, glassy eyes, and incoherent speech.
Sleepwalking episodes usually last around ten minutes, but can be anywhere from a few seconds to half an hour. Sleepwalking typically occurs during non-REM sleep, also known as deep sleep or slow wave sleep. Because of this, sleepwalkers usually have no memory of any activity they engaged in while sleepwalking.
Causes of Sleepwalking
Sleepwalking is very common, particularly in children. Up to 30% of children will sleepwalk at one time or another, and the behavior usually ends around puberty.[1] Sleepwalking affects adults less frequently—typically about 2% of the population.
There are a number of known causes of sleepwalking.
- Stress is a known trigger for fragmented sleep, which can increase the likelihood of sleepwalking. [2] This could be physical or emotional stress, or stress related to a change in environment—for instance, sleeping in a new place.
- Sleep deprivation. Research has shown that a lack of sleep can increase the risk of sleepwalking, potentially because more time is spent in deep sleep following sleep deprivation.[3]
- Fever or illness. Especially in children, fever can cause arousal leading to sleepwalking.
- Sleep disorders. One study from Stanford University found that a majority of frequent adult sleepwalkers had underlying sleep disorders that fragment sleep, like sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome.[4]
- Family history. Some people are genetically predisposed to sleepwalking and other parasomnias.[5] If one or both parents sleepwalk, it’s likely that their children will as well.
- Medications. Examples of medications that have been linked to sleepwalking include sedatives, hypnotics, antipsychotics, antidepressants stimulants, and alcohol.[6]
How to Help a Sleepwalker
While witnessing a sleepwalking episode might feel distressing, it’s not usually cause for concern. However, because a sleepwalker is unaware of their surroundings, the habit can be unsafe. During a sleepwalking episode, individuals are at risk of falling downstairs or otherwise injuring themselves or others.
If you have a sleepwalker in your home, the first step is to safety-proof your environment. Particularly if young children are sleepwalking, make sure to lock windows and doors. Installing safety gates to block off staircases during the night can also prevent possible injury. Some people like to install lights with motion sensors or door alarms, to help alert the sleepwalker or other family members of nighttime movement.
If you’re awoken by a sleepwalker in your home, it’s best to gently guide them back to bed. Avoid waking or disrupting them, which could cause them to become confused and disoriented upon waking.
One of the best ways to help a sleepwalker is to pay attention to the patterns of the disorder. If the episodes become very regular, cause excessive sleepiness during the day, or involve dangerous behaviors, seeking medical treatment from a doctor is the right next step.
Preventing and Treating Sleepwalking
Safety-proofing your home can help ensure your loved one stays out of harm’s way on a day-to-day basis. To prevent and treat the disorder, though, addressing the root causes of sleepwalking is a good place to start. For instance, focusing on healthy sleep habits with a consistent sleep and wake schedule can improve sleep quality and reduce sleep deprivation. Spending time identifying sources of physical or emotional stress could reduce the likelihood of stress triggering a sleepwalking episode. A relaxing bedtime ritual can help the body and mind settle down for a full night of sleep.
While these approaches may help prevent sleepwalking, if this parasomnia persists, it’s best to bring it to your healthcare provider to discuss. Evaluation methods, like an overnight sleep study, can provide valuable data to help address any underlying sleep disorder. In most cases, treating the root cause can eliminate sleepwalking and get you or your loved one back to an uneventful, restful night of sleep.
