What causes sleepwalking?

Sleepwalking (or somnambulism) is when someone walks or caries out activities whilst not fully awake and is a type of sleep disorder known as parasomnia. Sleepwalking usually happens during periods of non-rapid eye movement, when someone is in slow-wave or deep sleep. Incidents of sleepwalking therefore tend to take place in the first few hours of falling asleep.

Does sleepwalking happen at a certain age?

Sleepwalking can start at any age, but it is more common in children, with research showing that 1 in 5 children will sleepwalk at least once. Most grow out of it by the time they reach puberty, but on-going studies have indicated that approximately 1.5% of adults experienced an episode in the last 12 month. It is not always possible to be totally accurate with these percentages as those that do it, don’t remember and so studies need to rely on those who have seen them do it.

What can cause sleepwalking?

Whilst the exact cause of sleepwalking is unknown, it does seem to run in families. You’re more likely to sleepwalk if other members of your close family have or had sleep walking behaviour or ‘night terrors’. There are some things that have been found to trigger it, or make it happen more often and these are:

• Not getting enough sleep.
• Stress or anxiety.
• Infection with a high temperature, especially in children
• Drinking too much alcohol or taking certain types of medicines (including some sedatives).
• Being startled by a sudden noise or touch that causes abrupt waking from a deep sleep.
• Other sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnoea and restless legs syndrome can sometimes trigger a sleepwalking episode.

What happens during sleepwalking?

The activities of a sleepwalker will vary hugely – and even from episode to episode. On some occasions, a person may just sit up in bed and look around, appearing confused. Others may get out of bed and walk around, open cupboards, get dressed or eat. They may appear agitated. In some extreme cases, the person may walk out of the house and carry out activities – and on rare occasions, a sleepwalker has been known to drive a car.

When someone is sleepwalking, their eyes are usually open, although they will look straight through people and not recognise them. Some can move around familiar objects and if you talk to them, they may partially respond or say things that don’t make sense. Most episodes last less than 10 minutes, but can be longer, with the sleepwalker either waking up or returning to bed.

What should I do if I find someone sleepwalking?

The most important thing to do if you see someone sleepwalking is to make sure they are safe. If undisturbed, they will often go back to sleep. Very gently guide them back to bed by reassuring them. Avoid shouting or startling them, and don’t try to physically restrain them unless they are in danger, as they may unwittingly lash out.

It’s also a good idea to keep the areas of your home where a person may sleepwalk, free of breakable objects or trip hazards. If your child sleepwalks, then they should not sleep on the top bed of a bunk bed, and you may want to fit safety gates at the top of any stairs.

Tips to help sleepwalkers

Whilst there is no specific treatment for sleepwalking, studies have shown that it helps to try and get enough sleep and have a regular and relaxing routine before bedtime. The following tips are suggested by the NHS website:

• Try to go to bed at the same time each night.
• Make sure your bedroom is dark and quiet when you go to sleep.
• Limit drinks before bedtime, avoiding caffeine from the early afternoon, and go to the bathroom before going to sleep.
• Find ways to relax before going to bed, such as having a warm bath, reading or deep breathing as a form of meditation.
• If your child sleepwalks at the same time most nights, try very gently waking them for a short time 15 – 30 minutes before they would normally sleepwalk – this may stop them sleepwalking by altering their normal sleep cycle.

As well as having a dark and quiet bedroom, the choice of bedding can also help. Wool bedding has been proven to help achieve a more restful sleep because it is breathable and temperature regulating. This means you are less likely to be restless through being too hot or too cold. Our 100% British wool duvets, toppers and pillows are individually handcrafted in our Devon workshops. Natural, sustainable, and chemical-free, our range has been created to provide the optimum sleep environment for cosy and comforting slumber.

Always consult your doctor or medical professional if you have any concerns or if the sleepwalking episodes are more frequent or if you feel the person is at risk of injuring themselves.

Ref: NHS; Sleep Foundation; Sleep.com