What is Sleepwalking?
Sleepwalking, also called “somnambulism” by experts, is a common and usually harmless sleep occurrence. Sleepwalking is very common in children, affecting just under one in five, but it’s not uncommon in adults, either. It usually happens earlier on in the night, during deep (but not REM) sleep. Sleepwalking isn’t usually dangerous, but people can hurt themselves walking around or perform dangerous actions like cooking, using a knife, fighting, or even driving. Sometimes sleepwalkers can attack people trying to wake them up, which is dangerous for those around them. It is not dangerous to the sleepwalker to be woken up, but they might be confused or embarrassed.

What are Sleepwalking Symptoms?
The person sleepwalking usually has no idea what they are doing. To an observer, the person may seem confused or “not themselves”, but it can be hard to tell that they’re sleeping because they usually have their eyes open. Sleepwalkers may mumble incoherent replies to questions or perform strange actions, like undressing or confusing a chair for a toilet. Sometimes people try to engage in sexual activity or prepare food while sleepwalking.

What are Sleepwalking Causes?
Sleepwalking sometimes has a genetic component, but often it’s caused or worsened by sleep deprivation, stress, fevers, or using substances like alcohol or several prescription drugs. Hormonal changes can also cause more frequent sleepwalking. Sleepwalking is associated with other parasomnias like night terrors and sleep-talking. Some medical problems, including hyperthyroidism, can cause sleepwalking. Children seem to be more susceptible to it due to the difference in their sleep patterns.

What are Sleepwalking Treatments?
There is no specific treatment for sleepwalking, but treating any underlying problem, if applicable, can help. Relieving daytime stress or treating medical or mental disorders can greatly help to eliminate sleepwalking for adults. Most people “treat” their sleepwalking by sleepwalk-proofing their bedroom and attaching bells or alarms to dangerous objects, such as knives or above-ground windows. Combination locks can be put on windows or the refrigerator at night to prevent someone from falling or overeating in their sleep.

What are Sleepwalking Cures?
Sleepwalking almost always goes away on its own, especially in children. Growing up is the only official cure doctors know of, although not everyone outgrows their sleepwalking. For other people, once an underlying cause, such as stress or illness, is removed from their life, they never sleepwalk again. Some people will always sleepwalk, and we are not sure why that is.

You are welcome to join our discussion on apnea at our Sleepwalking Forum.