Sleepwalking is a sleep disorder characterized by walking while asleep. It is also known as somnambulism. While sleepwalking is generally harmless, it can pose serious risks to the health and wellbeing of sufferers.

What is Sleepwalking?

Sleepwalking is a disorder of the sleep-wake cycle, which means that it occurs during the non-rapid eye movement (NREM) phase of sleep. During NREM sleep, the brain is in a state of deep rest, while the body is in a state of paralysis.

However, in sleepwalking, the brain switches off the paralysis mechanism, allowing the body to move around while the person is still asleep.

How Common is Sleepwalking?

Sleepwalking is more common in children than in adults, and it usually affects people when they are in the deepest stages of sleep.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, around 30% of children under the age of 10 years experience sleepwalking at some point, while only 3.6% of adults experience this disorder.

What Causes Sleepwalking?

The exact cause of sleepwalking is not known, but there are several factors that may contribute to the disorder. These include:.

Genetic factors: Studies have shown that sleepwalking tends to run in families, suggesting that there may be a genetic component to the disorder.
Stress and anxiety: Sleepwalking can be triggered by stress and anxiety, as these conditions can cause disruptions in the natural sleep-wake cycle.
Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and epilepsy, can increase the risk of sleepwalking.
Medications: Sleeping pills, tranquilizers, and some antidepressants can increase the risk of sleepwalking.

Risks Associated with Sleepwalking

Sleepwalking can pose several risks to individuals who suffer from this disorder. These risks include:.

Injury: People who sleepwalk can fall, trip, or bump into objects, which can result in serious injuries such as broken bones, cuts, and bruises.
Accidents: Sleepwalkers may also engage in activities such as driving or cooking while they are asleep, which can result in accidents.
Embarrassment: Sleepwalking can be embarrassing and distressing for people who suffer from this disorder, especially if they are unaware of their nighttime wanderings.

Sleepwalking and Serious Diseases

A recent study published in the Journal of Sleep Research found that people who suffer from sleepwalking are at a higher risk of developing serious diseases, including Parkinson’s disease and dementia.

The study involved 1,800 people, of whom 396 were sleepwalkers. The researchers found that sleepwalkers were twice as likely to develop Parkinson’s disease and 1.5 times more likely to develop dementia compared to non-sleepwalking participants.

The study also found that sleepwalkers had a higher risk of developing other health problems, including depression, anxiety, and mood disorders.

How to Treat Sleepwalking

There is no cure for sleepwalking, but there are several strategies that can help reduce the risk of nighttime wanderings and associated risks. These include:.

Improving sleep hygiene: Maintaining a regular sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine before bed, and creating a relaxing sleep environment can all help improve sleep quality and reduce the risk of sleepwalking.
Avoiding triggers: Identifying and avoiding triggers, such as stress or anxiety, can help prevent sleepwalking episodes.
Medications: Certain medications, such as benzodiazepines, may be prescribed to help reduce the frequency and severity of sleepwalking episodes.

Conclusion

Sleepwalking is a sleep disorder that can pose serious risks to the health and wellbeing of sufferers. People who sleepwalk are at a higher risk of developing serious diseases, including Parkinson’s disease and dementia.

Although there is no cure for sleepwalking, there are several strategies that can help reduce the risk of nighttime wanderings and associated risks. If you or someone you know suffers from sleepwalking, it is important to seek medical advice.