Sleepwalking: Is It a Mental Disorder or Just a Nighttime Habit?

May 7, 2023

Introduction to Sleepwalking: Definition, Symptoms, and Prevalence

Sleepwalking, also known as somnambulism, is a sleep disorder characterized by episodes of walking or other complex behaviors while in a sleep-like state. It is a relatively common condition that affects both children and adults, and it can cause significant disruptions to an individual’s sleep, as well as their safety and that of those around them.

Definition

Sleepwalking is defined as a parasomnia, which is a type of sleep disorder that involves abnormal behaviors or experiences that occur during sleep. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) defines sleepwalking as “an episode of getting up and walking around during sleep, usually beginning in deep sleep and usually lasting from minutes to an hour.”

Symptoms

During a sleepwalking episode, an individual will appear to be awake and may engage in a wide range of behaviors, such as walking, talking, eating, or even driving a car. However, the person is actually asleep and is not fully aware of their actions. They may have a blank expression on their face, and they will not respond to verbal cues or attempts to communicate with them.

Other common symptoms of sleepwalking include:

  • Difficulty arousing the sleepwalker
  • Confusion or disorientation upon waking
  • Difficulty remembering the sleepwalking episode
  • Difficulty falling back asleep after an episode
  • Injuries or accidents that occur during sleepwalking, such as falling or bumping into objects

Prevalence

Sleepwalking affects around 3% to 4% of adults and up to 17% of children. It is more common in children than adults, and it is most prevalent in children between the ages of 3 and 7 years. Boys are more likely to experience sleepwalking than girls.

It’s important to note that sleepwalking is not a dangerous condition, but it can be a sign of an underlying sleep disorder or other health problem. If you or a loved one is experiencing sleepwalking episodes, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying issues and to develop an appropriate management plan.

It can also be helpful to make changes to your sleep environment, such as keeping a regular sleep schedule, avoiding alcohol and certain medications, and creating a safe sleeping environment to minimize the risk of accidents or injuries during sleepwalking episodes.

The Science of Sleepwalking: Causes and Risk Factors

The exact causes of sleepwalking are not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to disruptions in the normal sleep-wake cycle. While the underlying mechanisms of sleepwalking are not fully understood, several factors have been found to increase the risk of developing the condition.

Causes

  • Genetics: Sleepwalking tends to run in families, suggesting a genetic component to the condition. Studies have found that sleepwalking is more common in people with a family history of the disorder.

  • Sleep-wake cycle disruptions: Sleepwalking is more likely to occur during certain stages of sleep, particularly deep sleep (non-REM sleep). Disruptions to the normal sleep-wake cycle, such as irregular sleep schedules, sleep deprivation, or certain medications, can increase the likelihood of sleepwalking.

  • Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as migraines, fevers, night terrors, and certain neurologic conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease or narcolepsy, have been linked to sleepwalking.

  • Psychological factors: Stress, anxiety, and depression have been linked to sleepwalking.

  • Substance abuse: Alcohol and certain medications, such as sedatives and hypnotics, can increase the likelihood of sleepwalking.

Risk Factors

  • Age: Sleepwalking is more common in children than adults, and it is most prevalent in children between the ages of 3 and 7 years.

  • Gender: Boys are more likely to experience sleepwalking than girls.

  • Family history: Sleepwalking tends to run in families, suggesting a genetic component to the condition.

  • Sleep disorders: People with other sleep disorders, such as insomnia or sleep apnea, are at an increased risk of sleepwalking.

  • Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as migraines, fevers, night terrors, and certain neurologic conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease or narcolepsy, have been linked to sleepwalking.

  • Psychological factors: Stress, anxiety, and depression have been linked to sleepwalking.

It’s important to note that not everyone who has risk factors for sleepwalking will develop the condition, and it is not clear why some people are more susceptible to sleepwalking than others. If you or a loved one is experiencing sleepwalking episodes, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying issues and to develop an appropriate management plan.

Differentiating Sleepwalking from Other Sleep Disorders

Sleepwalking is a specific type of sleep disorder, known as a parasomnia, characterized by episodes of walking or other complex behaviors while in a sleep-like state. However, there are several other sleep disorders that can mimic the symptoms of sleepwalking or occur alongside it. It is important to differentiate between sleepwalking and these other disorders to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

Night Terrors

Night terrors, also known as sleep terrors, are a parasomnia characterized by episodes of intense fear or agitation that occur during deep sleep. Like sleepwalking, night terrors typically occur in the first few hours of the night, and the person experiencing the episode may seem awake, but they are actually asleep and not fully aware of their surroundings. However, unlike sleepwalking, people experiencing night terrors often have a look of fear on their face and may scream or thrash around during the episode.

Confusional Arousals

Confusional arousals, also known as sleep drunkenness, is a parasomnia characterized by confusion and disorientation upon waking. It is often mistaken for sleepwalking, as the person may get up and engage in complex behaviors while still in a sleep-like state. However, unlike sleepwalking, people with confusional arousals will typically have difficulty remembering the episode and may be confused and disoriented for several minutes to an hour after waking.

Sleep-Related Eating Disorder (SRED)

Sleep-related eating disorder (SRED) is a parasomnia characterized by episodes of eating during the night while in a sleep-like state. Like sleepwalking, people with SRED may engage in complex behaviors while asleep and not fully aware of their actions. However, unlike sleepwalking, the primary behavior during SRED episodes is eating, and people with SRED may consume large amounts of food and gain weight as a result.

It’s important to note that these disorders can occur independently or together, and a proper diagnosis by a sleep specialist is essential to determine the best course of treatment. If you or a loved one is experiencing sleep-related episodes, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying issues and to develop an appropriate management plan.

Sleepwalking and Mental Health: Is There a Connection?

Sleepwalking is a sleep disorder characterized by episodes of walking or other complex behaviors while in a sleep-like state. While the condition is not classified as a mental disorder, research has suggested that there may be a connection between sleepwalking and certain mental health conditions.

Stress and Anxiety

Studies have found that individuals with high levels of stress and anxiety are more likely to experience sleepwalking episodes. Stress and anxiety can disrupt the normal sleep-wake cycle, leading to disruptions in deep sleep and an increased risk of sleepwalking. In addition, sleepwalking itself can cause stress and anxiety, particularly if it leads to injuries or accidents.

Depression

Research has also suggested a link between sleepwalking and depression. People with depression are more likely to experience disruptions in their sleep-wake cycle, which can increase the risk of sleepwalking. In addition, sleepwalking can be a symptom of depression, particularly in cases where the person is experiencing other symptoms of depression, such as feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness.

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. Studies have found that people with PTSD are more likely to experience sleepwalking episodes. This may be due to the fact that PTSD can cause disruptions in the normal sleep-wake cycle, leading to disruptions in deep sleep and an increased risk of sleepwalking.

It is important to note that sleepwalking is not considered to be a symptom of any particular mental health condition, but research suggests that there may be a connection between sleepwalking and certain mental health conditions. If you or a loved one is experiencing sleepwalking episodes and also dealing with mental health issues, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment.

It is important to note that sleepwalking is not considered to be a symptom of any particular mental health condition, but research suggests that there may be a connection between sleepwalking and certain mental health conditions. If you or a loved one is experiencing sleepwalking episodes and also dealing with mental health issues, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment.

Managing and Treating Sleepwalking: Lifestyle Changes and Medical Interventions

Sleepwalking is a sleep disorder characterized by episodes of walking or other complex behaviors while in a sleep-like state. While the condition is not typically considered to be a serious medical issue, it can cause significant disruptions to an individual’s sleep, as well as their safety and that of those around them. Therefore, it is important to manage and treat sleepwalking to reduce the frequency and severity of episodes.

Lifestyle Changes

  • Maintaining a regular sleep schedule: Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day can help regulate the sleep-wake cycle and reduce the risk of sleepwalking.

  • Avoiding certain triggers: Certain triggers, such as alcohol, certain medications, and caffeine, can increase the risk of sleepwalking. Avoiding these triggers can help reduce the frequency and severity of episodes.

  • Creating a safe sleeping environment: Simple measures, such as removing tripping hazards, locking doors and windows, and using bed rails, can help reduce the risk of injuries during sleepwalking episodes.

Medical Interventions

  • Medications: Medications such as sedatives, antidepressants and antihistamines can be used to reduce the frequency and severity of sleepwalking episodes. These medications work by helping to regulate the sleep-wake cycle and by promoting deeper sleep.

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of therapy that can help individuals identify and address the underlying psychological and behavioral factors that may be contributing to their sleepwalking.

  • Sleep Study: A sleep study, also known as a polysomnogram, is a diagnostic test that can help identify underlying sleep disorders that may be contributing to sleepwalking.

It is important to note that not all treatments will be effective for everyone, and the best course of treatment will depend on the individual’s unique situation. If you or a loved one is experiencing sleepwalking episodes, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment.

Sources & references used in this article: