They might walk, talk, or perform routine activities all while sound asleep.
Sleepwalking can happen due to stress, sleep deprivation, certain health conditions, and medications.
Most people don’t remember sleepwalking, and there is not always someone there to see it.
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It can easily go unrecognized and unreported.
Other medications that may cause sleepwalking are:
2.
Migraine
Migraineand sleep abnormalities, such as sleepwalking,teeth-grinding, and nightmares, often go hand in hand.
There’s a higher rate of sleepwalking in people who havemigraine with aura.
Researchers haven’t discovered the exact mechanisms, but the link may be related to shared anatomical pathways.
In some cases, getting treatment for sleep apnea results in fewer sleepwalking events.
There seems to be a bi-directional relationship between GERD symptoms and sleep disturbances.
But sleep disturbances seem to be a stronger risk factor for GERD symptoms than the other way around.
Parkinson’s Disease
Some research suggests that about 10% of people withParkinson’s diseaseexperience sleepwalking.
This may be because Parkinson’s disease-related neurodegeneration interferes with arousal regulation during sleep.
Restless Leg Syndrome
Restless leg syndromeis a movement and sleep disorder.
When Does Sleepwalking Happen?
People go through differentstages of sleep.
Most episodes last 5 to 10 minutes, but some can last 30 minutes or more.
Research suggests thatsleepwalkinginvolves changes in brain processes that affect the space between sleep and wakefulness.
While you might be able to get around, sensory perceptions aren’t working.
You’re unaware of sights, smells, sounds, or pain.
How Do You Know If Someone Is Sleepwalking?
Here are some of the common signs of sleepwalking:
Sleepwalkers generally have no memory of what happened.
A Word From Verywell
When startled, sleepwalkers act out in a fight-or-flight response.
They may lash out or fall, which could injure them or the person waking them.
Encourage or lead a sleepwalker back to bed and let them get on with their nights rest.
Is Sleepwalking Dangerous?
Poor sleep quality can make it difficult to function during the day.
It can also disturb others' sleep.
A person who is sleepwalking may not recognize the potential hazards of sharp objects.
Sleepwalkers may put themselves in life-threatening situations through activities like cooking, climbing out windows, or even driving.
There are cases of violence toward others during a sleepwalking episode, but it’s not common.
How Is Sleepwalking Diagnosed and Treated?
Sleepwalking is typically diagnosed based on medical history and discussion of symptoms.
Eyewitness accounts or video of the event can be helpful.
It’s important to create a safe environment for sleepwalkers, clearing the area of any hazards.
Roughly waking a sleepwalker by yelling or shaking them can cause confusion or anger.
Children often outgrow sleepwalking.
Even in adults, it can resolve on its own.
Most people don’t need treatment specific to sleepwalking.
Sometimes, short-acting tranquilizers can help, but some of these same medicines can also cause sleepwalking.
When sleepwalking is related to an underlying disorder or medication, treating that condition or switching medications may help.
Working onsleep hygieneto improve sleep overall is also a good idea.
This can happen when you’re sleep-deprived, sick, or stressed out.
Sleepwalking doesn’t usually require treatment on its own.
However, persistent sleepwalking can lead to daytime fatigue and prevent others from getting a good night’s sleep.
See a healthcare provider if sleepwalking involves dangerous activities, happens frequently, or accompanies other symptoms.
Diagnosing and treating an underlying condition may help resolve sleepwalking.
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