Sleepwalking, also known as somnambulism, is a condition where you walk or perform other activities while asleep. This phenomenon is more common in children but can occur at any age. Although sleepwalking is not completely understood, experts have identified several causes and risks associated with this sleep disorder.

Causes of sleepwalking

Experts believe that sleepwalking typically occurs during deep sleep, known as non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. This stage happens in the early part of the night, when sleep is deepest and the brain is in slow-wave activity. Several factors can trigger sleepwalking, including:

Genetics

Sleepwalking often runs in families, indicating a genetic component to the condition. If a parent has a history of sleepwalking, there is a higher likelihood that their child might experience it as well.

Lack of sleep

Insufficient or irregular sleep can trigger episodes of sleepwalking. When the body is extremely tired, the deep sleep stages can become more intense, increasing the likelihood of sleepwalking.

Psychological factors

Stress, anxiety, and emotional trauma can affect sleep quality and trigger sleepwalking. These psychological states can disrupt the normal sleep cycle, raising the risk of sleep disturbances.

Medication or alcohol

Certain medications, such as sedatives, antidepressants, and sleeping pills, can increase the risk of sleepwalking. Excessive alcohol consumption before bedtime can also affect sleep patterns and trigger sleepwalking.

Stress

Stress, whether physical or emotional, can significantly impact sleep quality and contribute to sleepwalking. It disrupts normal sleep patterns, making it harder to get restful sleep.

Medical conditions

Medical issues like fever, brain injury, sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and seizures can increase the risk of sleepwalking. These conditions interfere with sleep and cause unconscious motor activity.

Risks of sleepwalking

While often not dangerous, sleepwalking can present certain risks, including:

Physical injury

Sleepwalkers are unaware of their surroundings, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries. They may bump into objects, fall down the stairs, or even leave the house without realizing it. In extreme cases, sleepwalkers might drive a vehicle, leading to serious or life-threatening injuries.

Poor-quality sleep

Despite appearing to be asleep, the physical activity during sleepwalking disrupts actual sleep quality. This can result in chronic fatigue and reduced cognitive function during the day.

Dangerous behavior

One of the main dangers of sleepwalking is the potential to engage in risky behaviors without realizing it. Sleepwalkers might perform hazardous activities like turning on the stove, driving, leaving the house, or using sharp objects.

It is crucial to seek medical help if you experience frequent sleepwalking episodes. Proper treatment can help minimize the associated risks.

If you have questions about sleepwalking or other sleep disorders, you can make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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