Sleepwalking: what you need to know

Have you ever gone to sleep in your bed and woken up in the kitchen? Or perhaps you’ve woken to find food crumbs all over your body yet have no recollection of eating before bed?

If this sounds familiar, you may have experienced an episode of sleepwalking. Sleepwalking, also known as somnambulism, involves getting up and walking around whilst in a state of sleep. Sleepwalking is more common in children than adults and is usually outgrown by the teenage years. Sleepwalking is mostly harmless; however recurrent sleepwalking may signal an underlying sleep disorder. 

Identifying the symptoms of sleepwalking

Sleepwalking often occurs one or two hours after people fall asleep. It rarely occurs during naps. 

During an episode of sleepwalking, the sleepwalker usually will not respond if you try to get their attention. Instead, they may have a glazed or distant look in their eyes. 

According to experts, the following are some common activities that sleepwalkers may engage in as they are in their sleepwalking state: 

  • Eating

  • Talking

  • Preparing food

  • Driving in a car

  • Urinating in places that aren’t toilets

  • Trying to leave the house

Despite these activities, sleepwalkers are unable to recall an episode of sleepwalking, and will often wake up confused. 

Common causes of sleepwalking

Sleepwalking is more common in children than adults. And while sleepwalking is often outgrown by the time a person reaches their teenage years, not everyone stops sleepwalking once they’re adults. In fact, some may experience their first few episodes of sleepwalking in their adult years. 

Research has identified the following risk factors associated with sleepwalking: 

Genetics

Studies have shown that sleepwalking is more likely to occur for someone with a first-degree relative who has a history of sleepwalking.

Sleep deprivation

People who don’t get sufficient sleep are more vulnerable to sleepwalking. Reports have proven that individuals that were sleep deprived experienced increased frequency of sleepwalking episodes. 

Chronic migraines 

If you suffer from chronic migraines, you may also be more vulnerable to episodes of sleepwalking. Research has shown that there is a strong correlation between sleepwalking and chronic headaches, particularly migraines. 

Fever

Sleepwalking has been associated with individuals that are suffering from a fever, particularly in children. Fevers often lead to night terrors, a form of sleep disturbance. Night terrors can cause you to scream, move your arms or legs erratically, or attempt to escape from the fearful visuals you picture in your dreams, all of which can result in an episode of sleepwalking. 

Obstructive sleep apnea 

Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious condition that causes you to stop breathing for short periods whilst you’re asleep. If left untreated, it could lead to serious health consequences like heart disease, stroke, depression, diabetes and more. 

A medical study reported that individuals with obstructive apnea were more prone to experience “parasomnia” symptoms like sleepwalking, hallucination and acting out dreams. 

Restless leg syndrome

Restless leg syndrome is a type of sleep disorder that causes an uncomfortable sensation in your legs, typically at night. This disorder causes nighttime arousals which may increase the likelihood of a person experiencing a sleepwalking episode.

 

Stress

Physical or emotional stress may interrupt your sleep, which can increase the risk of sleepwalking. A study of 193 patients in a sleep clinic, showed that those who experienced stressful events during the day were more prone to sleepwalking during the night. 

Sleepwalking risks 

Sleepwalking in itself is not dangerous. However, people that sleepwalk are exposed to the following risks:

  • Injury from walking blindly into furniture, attempting to climb or descend stairs, wandering outdoors, driving a car, or eating something inappropriate

  • Mental or physical exhaustion during the day from sleep disruption

  • Disrupting others who may be asleep during the night  

  • Social insecurities or embarrassment about the sleep disorder 

How to stop yourself from sleepwalking 

Unfortunately, there is no scientifically proven way to stop sleepwalking. However, certain things can be done to minimise the frequency of sleepwalking episodes. These include: 

  • Getting enough quality sleep

  • Reducing levels of stress by exercising, meditating, etc. 

  • Avoiding looking at blue screens before bedtime

  • Avoiding activity or exercise at least 4 hours before bedtime 

The key is to establish healthy sleep habits to ensure you’re getting the best quality sleep possible. 

Key takeaway 

Most people grow out of sleepwalking without treatment. However, if you start experiencing episodes of sleepwalking as an adult, it’s important to speak to your doctor to rule out any underlying health conditions. 

Sleepwalking is not dangerous in itself. However, if you or a family member are sleepwalkers, make sure to securely store away any unsafe objects, food and vehicle keys to reduce the risk of participating in dangerous activities during a sleepwalking episode.

IF YOU’RE EXPERIENCING PERSISTENT DISRUPTIONS TO YOUR SLEEP, CONSULT WITH A PHARMACIST OR TRUSTED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL TO DISCUSS POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS.

Any advice provided in this content is of a general nature and does not take into account your objectives, health or needs. The information in this post is not intended to substitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be exclusively relied on to diagnose or manage a medical condition. You need to consider the appropriateness of any information or general advice we give you, having regard to your personal situation, before acting on our advice or purchasing any over-the-counter sleep product.



Peter Shakespeare