Why Do Some People Sleepwalk?

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27 July 2024

Sleepwalking, also known as somnambulism, is a disorder that originates during deep sleep and results in walking or performing other complex behaviours while still mostly asleep

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Sleepwalking tends to run in families, suggesting a genetic component. If a person has a parent or sibling who sleepwalks, they are more likely to sleepwalk themselves

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Lack of sufficient sleep can also increase the likelihood of sleepwalking. It can lead to deeper sleep stages, where sleepwalking occurs

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Here are other reasons: High levels of stress and anxiety can disrupt sleep patterns and contribute to sleepwalking episodes

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Conditions like sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome can increase the risk of sleepwalking

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Certain medications, such as those used for treating psychiatric conditions, can also trigger sleepwalking as a side effect

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Consumption of alcohol or other substances that affect the central nervous system can lead to sleepwalking

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Conditions such as fever, nighttime asthma, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can contribute to sleep disturbances and potentially lead to sleepwalking

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Sleepwalking is more common in children and tends to decrease with age. It usually occurs during the first third of the night, during the deep non-REM (NREM) sleep stages

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While most episodes are harmless, safety measures should be taken to prevent injury, and it might be helpful to consult a healthcare professional if sleepwalking is frequent or severe

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