SLEEPINGWALKING
Have you ever heard of people moving around while they’re fast asleep? That’s sleepwalking for you! Sleepwalkers often get out of bed and sometimes even leave the house, all while in a deep sleep. Sleepwalking usually happens for a few minutes at a time and might occur up to three or four nights a week.
Some folks might sleepwalk for longer periods but less often. Most people don’t remember a thing about their nocturnal adventures when they wake up. Sleepwalking typically starts in childhood, becomes less common during the teenage years, and usually stops by early adulthood. However, for a few people, it can continue throughout their lives. If a child continues sleepwalking into their teen years, there’s a higher chance it will stick around into early adulthood.
What Causes Sleepwalking?
For some, sleepwalking runs in the family. For children, it might be linked to a developmental stage. Not getting enough sleep, having irregular sleep patterns, stress, drugs, and certain medications can increase the risk of sleepwalking. Additionally, medical conditions like sleep apnoea, seizures, and fevers can contribute to sleepwalking. If you’re prone to sleepwalking, even sounds that disturb your sleep can set it off. Sometimes, though, there’s no clear cause.
How Common is Sleepwalking?
Surveys suggest that about 2 or 3 out of 100 children sleepwalk often, while around 5 out of 100 do so occasionally. For adults, 3 or 4 out of 100 say they’ve sleepwalked at least once in their lives, but only 4 in 1000 continue to sleepwalk as adults. Less than a quarter of those who sleepwalked as children still do so in adulthood. Some might stop sleepwalking after childhood but find it returns when they’re unwell or stressed.
How Does it Affect People?
Waking up suddenly during a sleepwalk can leave you feeling confused and make it hard to get back to sleep. This can lead to a poor night’s sleep, resulting in daytime tiredness, anxiety, and even depression. There’s also a risk of injury from bumping into things or leaving the house, but injuries are less common than you might expect, given how many people sleepwalk.
How is Sleepwalking Treated?
In children, sleepwalking is often just a part of growing up. Parents can usually comfort their child and guide them back to bed. Over time, most kids outgrow it. Intervention is only needed if sleepwalking is frequent and significantly impacts the child’s wellbeing, like causing daytime tiredness or posing a risk of injury. For adults, maintaining good sleep habits can reduce sleepwalking episodes. Sometimes, doctors might prescribe sleeping tablets, but this should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
What Might a Doctor Do?
A doctor can offer advice on improving sleep habits to help you get a better night’s rest and make sleepwalking less dangerous. In some cases, they might refer you to a psychologist or sleep specialist. Treatments are available to reduce the frequency of sleepwalking, and adults may be prescribed sedatives for short-term use to stop sleepwalking.
Tips to Help Manage Sleepwalking
Here are some tips to help reduce sleepwalking episodes:
Reduce Stress: Try to keep your stress levels in check.
Avoid Stimulants: Stay away from caffeine and other stimulants before bedtime.
Stay Safe: Take measures to keep yourself safe during sleepwalking episodes.
Lock Windows: Ensure windows are locked so you can’t wander outside.
Use Bells: Consider putting bells on doors to alert others in the house if you start moving around.
Baby Monitors: These can be useful for others to hear if you’re up and about during the night.
When to Seek Help
If sleepwalking is impacting your daily life or that of your child, it’s a good idea to talk to your local doctor. They can provide guidance and help you manage this condition effectively.
Date: Sept 2024; By: Sleep Health Foundation