Somnambulism - the myth of sleepwalking

Sleepwalking is a parasomnic sleep disorder and refers to an unconscious state of wakefulness during sleep. Learn here what lies behind the myth of sleepwalking and how it happens that we awaken from sleep and wander through the night without consciousness or memory.

Table of contents

1. What does sleepwalking mean?
2. This is what happens when you sleepwalk
3. Causes and triggers of sleepwalking
4. Is sleepwalking harmful?
5. Avoid sleepwalking
6. Conclusion

1. What does sleepwalking mean?

Sleepwalking, also known as "somnambulism" in science, is a Sleep or waking disorder, which is one of the so-called parasomnias (sleep disturbances). This myth is more common in children, but doctors say that up to 7% of adults also occasionally sleepwalk. This unusual condition, in which we get up without really waking up, wander around the house, and have no memory of our nighttime excursion the next day, usually lasts only a few seconds to minutes and usually occurs mainly in the bedroom. There are various reasons why we wander around at night, and depending on the severity, it can pose serious dangers.

2. This is what happens when you sleepwalk

During sleepwalking, some areas of the brain are awakened and activated, while others remain asleep. Those affected are thus placed in a state between wakefulness and sleep, and are, so to speak, "incompletely awake." Various sleep research studies show that during sleepwalking, the brain areas that control our movement and motor skills are as active as when we are awake, whereas other important areas, such as those responsible for memory formation and interaction with the environment, do not deviate from their typical sleep activity.

Our brain remains asleep, which is why we are in a trance-like state while wandering around, with little to no access to important neural and brain functions such as orientation, pain perception, and our general ability to interact and react. This is why sleepwalkers get up, walk around, or even eat, but are unresponsive and have no memory of their waking phase the next day.

3. Causes and triggers of sleepwalking

The causes of this unusual phenomenon are not yet fully known. Sleepwalking occurs exclusively in the Deep sleep phases or in the transition from deep sleep to waking. Thus, although often assumed, it has nothing to do with dreaming and cannot even be Dream sleep phase (REM sleep), because here the so-called sleep paralysis usually protects us from uncontrolled movements.

Scientists suspect that deep sleep in sleepwalkers is generally more susceptible to disruption and less stable. During sleep, they react more sensitively to external stimuli (noises, light, or touch) or even to internal stimuli (urinary urgency, stress, pain), which then trigger incomplete awakening. The maturity of the central nervous system could also play a key role in the response to stimuli during sleep and influence whether or not someone sleepwalks. This would also explain why children are more often affected than adults. At the young age of 4 to 8, the brain is still developing, and the central nervous system is not fully developed.

By the way: According to researchers, the children of sleepwalkers have a 60% risk of becoming sleepwalkers themselves, as a tendency to sleepwalking could also be genetic and related to the inherited maturation development of the central nervous system.

Other possible triggers for sleepwalking at a glance:

4. Is sleepwalking harmful?

Often, those affected have no memory of their nighttime excursions the next morning and only learn that they are sleepwalking when another person is present. Sleepwalking is essentially a relatively harmless sleep disorder that is relatively rare, especially in adults. Nevertheless, the "half-awake" state also poses risks due to uncontrolled activity, for example, when sleepwalkers unknowingly leave the house or handle dangerous objects such as scissors, knives, etc. Those affected are not fully conscious during these moments and cannot assess risks or react appropriately to dangers. If you or a family member suffers from occasional sleepwalking, it is therefore recommended to secure the sleeping area and, for example, lock doors and windows at night or remove potentially dangerous objects from the bedroom.

5. How can I avoid sleepwalking?

Illness, stress, or a lack of relaxation can strain the nervous system and increase sensitivity to stimuli during sleep. Therefore, restful and undisturbed sleep is a good prerequisite for avoiding startles or waking from deep sleep, preventing sleepwalking in the first place. Unless a serious illness is behind a tendency to sleepwalk, it may be helpful to deliberately wind down before bed and promote both physical and mental relaxation to promote overall sleep and avoid waking up during the night.

Here you will find our relaxation tips and in this article You will learn which calming and natural extracts can help you relax before sleep.

Watch out! You've probably heard that it's best not to wake sleepwalkers—and for good reason! Suddenly waking from a deep sleep can not only be extremely surprising, but can also be confusing for the person affected, or even lead to panic, aggressive, or unpredictable behavior. It's better to gently guide sleepwalkers back to bed, where they can usually quickly calm down and go back to sleep.

6. Conclusion

• Sleepwalking refers to the unconscious mixed state of wakefulness and sleep in which the body is active but the mind remains asleep.

• Sleepwalkers awaken incompletely from deep sleep and usually cannot remember the waking phase.

• Possible causes of sleepwalking include a low level of maturity of the nervous system and low sensitivity to stimuli during deep sleep, for example due to stress, psychological strain or illness.

• Sleepwalking is generally not harmful, but it can lead to dangerous and risky situations.

Best wishes and see you soon!