Have you ever woken up in the wrong place?

Sleepwalking sounds like something you’d see on TV. Someone walking around with their eyes closed, arms stretched out in front of them. But in real life, it’s a little more complex. For many people, it’s a nighttime mystery they don’t even know is happening.

If you’ve ever wondered why sleepwalking happens or what you can do about it, let’s talk about it in simple terms.

What Exactly Is Sleepwalking?

Sleepwalking, or somnambulism, is a sleep disorder where people perform activities while still asleep. This can include sitting up in bed, walking around the house, or, in rare cases, even performing more complex tasks like opening doors or eating.

Interestingly, sleepwalking happens during non-REM sleep, specifically in the deeper stages. Unlike REM sleep—where dreams occur—this phase is usually dreamless. The mind stays “asleep,” but parts of the body wake up just enough to move.

Sleepwalking episodes are usually short, lasting anywhere from a few seconds to 30 minutes. What makes it so mysterious is that the sleepwalker often has no memory of it when they wake up.

How Common Is Sleepwalking?

You might think sleepwalking is rare, but it’s surprisingly common, especially among children. Studies show that about 15% of children experience sleepwalking at some point in their lives. For most kids, it’s harmless and something they outgrow as they get older.

Adults can sleepwalk too, but it’s less common. Only about 1%-1.5 % of adults experience regular episodes. In adults, sleepwalking is usually linked to underlying factors like stress, medications, or lack of sleep.

What Causes Sleepwalking?

While sleepwalking might seem random, certain factors can trigger it. Here’s a closer look at the main causes:

  1. Lack of Sleep
    Not getting enough sleep can push your body into deeper sleep stages faster. This increases the chances of sleepwalking episodes.
  2. Stress and Anxiety
    Your mind doesn’t just “shut off” when you’re stressed. A tough day or ongoing worries can disrupt your sleep and trigger unusual behaviors like sleepwalking.
  3. Illness or Fever
    High fevers, especially in children, can cause sleep disturbances, including sleepwalking. This happens because fevers interfere with normal sleep cycles.
  4. Genetics
    Sleepwalking often runs in families. If one or both of your parents were sleepwalkers, there’s a good chance you might experience it too.
  5. Medications
    Certain medications—like sedatives or antidepressants—can mess with your sleep patterns. 
  6. Sleep Disorders
    Conditions like sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and night terrors are often connected to sleepwalking. These disorders disrupt sleep, which can trigger episodes.

How Sleepwalking Impacts Everyday Life

At first glance, sleepwalking might seem harmless. But if it happens often, it can cause real problems for both the sleepwalker and their loved ones.

  1. Safety Risks
  2. This is the biggest concern with sleepwalking. Moving around without being fully aware can lead to accidents. Sleepwalkers might bump into furniture, trip over objects, fall down stairs, or even wander outside. For families, this means extra precautions, like locking doors and windows at night to keep everyone safe.
  3. Poor Quality Sleep
  4. Even though the sleepwalker doesn’t fully wake up during an episode, their deep sleep is still interrupted. Over time, this can lead to fatigue, irritability, and trouble concentrating during the day.
  5. Anxiety or Embarrassment
  6. Waking up in an unexpected place or hearing stories about what you did while sleepwalking can be unsettling. For kids, it might even feel scary. For adults, it can cause anxiety, especially when sharing a home or traveling with others.
  7. Disrupting Others
  8. Sleepwalking doesn’t just affect the person experiencing it. Family members or roommates might wake up feeling confused or worried. Over time, this can lead to disrupted sleep for everyone in the house.

How to Manage Sleepwalking

If you or someone you know sleepwalks, here are a few tips to help:

  1. Get Enough Sleep
  2. Sleep deprivation is a major trigger for sleepwalking. Make sure you get 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
  3.  Reduce Stress
  4. Find ways to unwind before bed. Simple things like reading, listening to calming music, or deep breathing can make a difference.
  5.  Create a Safe Environment
  6. Remove sharp objects, lock doors and windows, and clear the floor of anything you might trip over. For kids, using gates to block stairs can help.
  7. Talk to a Doctor
  8. If sleepwalking happens often, it’s a good idea to check in with a sleep specialist. They can help figure out what’s causing it and recommend solutions.

Conclusion

Sleepwalking might seem mysterious, but it doesn’t have to take over your life. By understanding its causes and learning how to manage it, you can make sure it doesn’t interfere with your sleep or safety.

If you’re dealing with sleepwalking, remember that small changes can make a big difference. Getting better sleep and reducing stress are great places to start.