When a person gets up and moves around while still asleep, it is known as sleepwalking, or somnambulism. The common advice is to avoid waking them, due to specific reasons related to their state of consciousness and potential reactions upon abrupt awakening. Understanding sleepwalking’s mechanisms clarifies why this advice is so prevalent.
The Science of Sleepwalking
Sleepwalking is a parasomnia, a sleep disorder involving unusual behaviors. It typically occurs during the deepest stage of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, specifically N3 or slow-wave sleep, in the first few hours after falling asleep. During an episode, an individual is in a state of partial arousal, where some brain parts are active while others remain deeply asleep. For example, the motor cortex, responsible for movement, may show wake-like activity, while areas associated with complex cognition and conscious awareness, such as the prefrontal cortex, remain in a sleep state. This unique neurological state allows for complex actions like walking or even driving, despite the person lacking full awareness.
Immediate Reactions to Being Awakened
Abruptly waking a sleepwalker can lead to immediate and disorienting effects as their brain rapidly transitions from deep sleep to wakefulness. They may experience intense confusion, disorientation, and fright, suddenly pulled into an unfamiliar reality without understanding their environment or actions. This startled state can trigger a stress response, potentially leading to agitation, panic, or aggressive reactions. While myths about causing a heart attack or brain damage by waking a sleepwalker are untrue, the sudden shock can result in the sleepwalker injuring themselves or others. They might fall, bump into objects, or lash out defensively in their confused state, making gentle guidance the preferred approach.
Guiding a Sleepwalker Safely
Instead of attempting to forcefully wake a sleepwalker, the recommended approach involves gentle and calm redirection. Speak to them softly and calmly, avoiding loud noises or sudden movements that could startle them. A light touch on their arm or shoulder can help guide them without causing alarm. The primary goal is to gently steer the sleepwalker back to their bed, allowing them to return to uninterrupted sleep.
Prioritizing their safety involves securing the immediate environment. Clear obstacles from their path and ensure doors and windows are locked to prevent them from leaving the house or entering dangerous areas. Installing safety gates on stairways can prevent falls. Maintaining a calm demeanor throughout the interaction is important, as the sleepwalker is not consciously aware and will likely have no memory of the event later.
When to Seek Professional Guidance
Occasional sleepwalking episodes are often not a cause for concern, particularly in children who typically outgrow them by their teenage years. However, professional evaluation is advisable if sleepwalking occurs frequently, such as several times a week or nightly. Medical attention is warranted if episodes lead to injury, involve dangerous activities like driving, or significantly disrupt the sleepwalker’s or household’s life. If sleepwalking begins for the first time in adulthood or persists into the teen years, it may indicate an underlying sleep disorder or other medical condition that requires assessment. A doctor can evaluate causes like sleep deprivation, stress, or other sleep disorders, and recommend management strategies.