Sleepwalking is a condition that is most commonly noted among children, but can affect anyone at any age. Formally diagnosed as somnambulism, this disorder manifests itself during the sleep cycle and causes individuals to exhibit walking and other behaviors while asleep. Often, the sleepwalker’s eyes remain open, but portray a glassy look. The person can almost appear unresponsive, even though they are ambulating and functioning to a degree.
This phenomenon of combined sleep and wakefulness often takes place within an hour or two into the sleep cycle. While it can be unnerving to see someone in this state, it is harmless in most cases. In more extreme situations, the sleepwalker may try to climb out of a window, urinate in an unusual area, or become agitated, causing injury to themselves or someone else. The severity of the episode will determine if medical intervention is required.
The exact cause of sleepwalking remains a mystery. While there is no cure, there have been studies showing how the following signs and symptoms may be linked to it.
1. Genetics
Genetics may be partly to blame for those that sleepwalk. Multiple studies have shown that a particular gene identified as HLA and a variant called HLA-DQB1 have been contributors to this sleeping disorder. During closer examination of these genes, scientists profiled dozens of people that sleepwalk, and their relatives. They were then compared with the exact same number of individuals that had no history or diagnosis of any type of sleep disorder.
The results proved that 35% of the sleepwalkers had the genetic markers, compared to just 13% of the healthy individuals without a history of somnambulism. Further research has found that people with biological parents having a history of sleepwalking are more vulnerable to the condition and will most likely also experience it to some degree.
2. Lingering Health Conditions
Chronic and underlying health conditions can also contribute to sleepwalking. This is because whatever ailment someone is experiencing can cause interrupted sleep. For example, a person suffering from untreated sleep apnea may partially wake unexpectedly from lack of proper breathing. Another person with a head injury may experience sleepwalking as a side effect from the injury.
While somnambulism doesn’t always require a medical diagnosis, a repressed health condition certainly does and requires proper monitoring by a health professional. Once the medical condition is treated, the sleep disorder may also subside.
3. Fatigue
While sleep deprivation can lead to medical problems and other chronic illness, it can also trigger sleepwalking. This is true for both children and adults who aren’t getting a decent amount of restful sleep. Developing a routine sleep schedule that allows adequate sleep time can help discourage incidents of sleepwalking.
Another tip is to reduce foods and drinks containing caffeine and other stimulants, especially near bedtime. The goal is to wind down your body and mind for a restful sleep, so avoid consumption of anything that will hinder that. Certain coffees, sodas and teas contain caffeine and all play a role in reducing sleep, which in turn, leads to fatigue.
4. Full Bladder
Can a full bladder really provoke someone to sleep walk? It sounds improbable but research has shown that it can be a contributing factor.
Emptying your bladder before getting cozy in bed is essential to your sleep. Especially for a child. Imagine drifting off into a nice sleep, only to feel the discomfort of a full bladder awhile later. Most people would simply wake up enough to use the restroom. For a sleepwalker, it can be more complicated. Since sleepwalkers are still in the “zoned out” stage of their sleep cycle, they may unintentionally choose to urinate somewhere inappropriate, such as a closet. This can all lead to much embarrassment and frustration.
5. Medications
Certain medications, particularly in adults, can cause a deep sleep. This makes it challenging to arouse a person to a waking state. This is especially true when using sedatives, antidepressants and beta blockers, among several other medications.
Side effects from medications can further interfere with the sleep cycle. Always discuss medications and their risks with your health care provider. It may also be a good idea to have companion present when taking certain medications. This is especially important when starting a new medication, to avoid jeopardizing your health and safety. Avoid combining alcohol with medications since it can also decrease reusability.
6. Anxiety
Anxiety can plague both adults and children. With hectic schedules, deadlines to meet, daily stress and responsibilities, it’s no wonder anxiety disorders are on the rise for adults. When we think of childhood, we tend to relate it to a relaxed, untroubled lifestyle that we yearn to revert back to. This is not always the case.
Children of all ages are not exempt from anxiety. Stressors related to school and peers can take a toll on a young mind. Furthermore, if a child experiences a negative environment at home, such as arguing parents, it can put a great deal of pressure on a young one, making them prone to anxiety.
Anxiety can cause anyone of any age to be susceptible to sleepwalking. Frequent stressful circumstances interrupt a normal lifestyle, including what would be a normal sleep cycle. Medical intervention may be required to reduce the complications of anxiety and a restful sleep.
7. Mental Ailments
Psychological conditions can also factor into sleepwalking. This is especially true if the person is already predisposed to the sleeping disorder. When the brain’s function is compromised during waking hours, it may be difficult to train it to cooperate during a sleep cycle. Not only can mental ailments cause sleepwalking, but the reverse is also true. Sleeping disorders can lead to mental health consequences, altering quality of life in an individual.
While anyone at any time can develop these severe complications, research has shown that the elderly population suffers the most when considering mental conditions linked to sleep disorders. This is primarily due to the onset of diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.
While sleepwalking is more prevalent in adults that originally thought, it usually occurs at a younger age and often the condition resolves itself over time. If you are suffering from sleepwalking or severe complications from it, you may want to consider a medical consultation. A health care professional can then determine the best course of treatment tailored to your condition.
