Quick Answer: Sleepwalking is a parasomnia in deep NREM sleep, affecting about 4% of adults and up to 17% of Canadian children. It runs in families and is triggered by sleep deprivation, stress, and certain medications. Focus on safety measures, consistent sleep hygiene, and seeing a doctor if episodes involve injury risk or violence.
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What Are Parasomnias?
Parasomnias are abnormal behaviours during sleep. They are divided into NREM parasomnias (occurring during deep sleep, stages 3-4) and REM parasomnias (occurring during dream sleep). Sleepwalking is the most well-known NREM parasomnia. Others include sleep terrors, confusional arousals, and sleep-related eating disorder.
During a parasomnia episode, parts of the brain are awake (allowing movement and even complex behaviours) while other parts remain asleep (consciousness is absent or impaired). This is why sleepwalkers can navigate their home but have no memory of doing so.
The Genetics of Sleepwalking
Research published in the journal Neurology found that if one parent sleepwalks, their child has a 45% chance of sleepwalking. If both parents sleepwalk, the risk rises to 60%. The HLA-DQB1*05:01 gene variant has been linked to sleepwalking. A 2015 Canadian study at the Universite de Montreal found that sleepwalkers have abnormal slow-wave activity in the brain that makes them more prone to partial arousals from deep sleep.
Why People Sleepwalk
Sleepwalking happens when something partially wakes you from deep sleep without fully waking you. Common triggers include:
- Sleep deprivation: The number one trigger. When overtired, the brain enters deeper sleep, and transitions out of deep sleep become unstable
- Stress and anxiety: Activates the arousal system, causing partial awakenings
- Fever or illness: Especially common in children
- Medications: Certain sleep aids (zolpidem/Ambien is notorious), lithium, and some antipsychotics
-
Alcohol: Fragments sleep architecture,
increasing partial arousals - Full bladder: The urge to urinate can trigger a partial arousal that leads to sleepwalking
- Noise or touch: External stimuli that partially wake a deep sleeper
Other Common Parasomnias
Sleep terrors: Episodes of screaming, intense fear, and flailing during deep sleep. The person is not awake and usually has no memory. Common in children ages 4-12. Different from nightmares, which occur during REM sleep and are remembered.
Confusional arousals: Waking in a confused, disoriented state, sometimes with inappropriate behaviour. Common in young children ("sleep drunkenness"). Can also affect adults, especially when sleep-deprived.
REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder (RBD): Acting out dreams during REM sleep. Unlike sleepwalking, RBD occurs later in the sleep cycle and involves dream-enacting behaviour. More common in older adults and can be an early sign of Parkinson disease. This requires medical evaluation.
What to Do During an Episode
If someone is sleepwalking: (1) Do not try to wake them, this can cause confusion and agitation. (2) Gently guide them back to bed. (3) Remove obstacles from their path. (4) Speak in calm, simple sentences. (5) Make sure doors and windows are secure. The episode will end on its own as the person transitions to a different sleep stage.
Safety Measures for Sleepwalkers
- Lock exterior doors and windows (consider chain locks or alarms)
- Gate stairways, especially for children
- Remove sharp objects and tripping hazards from the bedroom
- Sleep on the ground floor if possible
- Keep car keys hidden (sleepwalkers have been known to drive)
- Consider a door alarm that sounds when the bedroom door opens
- Address sleep deprivation: maintain a consistent schedule with adequate sleep hours
Comfortable Sleep Reduces Episodes
At Mattress Miracle, we have heard from several Brantford families dealing with childhood sleepwalki
ng. While a mattress does not cause or cure sleepwalking, an uncomfortable sleep surface that causes restlessness can trigger partial arousals that lead to episodes. Ensuring your child (or you) sleep comfortably reduces one potential trigger. Visit us for honest, family-focused advice.
Medical disclaimer: Parasomnias in adults that begin after age 50, involve violent behaviour, or cause injury should be evaluated by a sleep specialist. REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder in particular requires medical assessment.
For a broader look at all parasomnia types, including REM behaviour disorder and sleep paralysis, read our complete guide to parasomnia meaning and types.
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Call 519-770-0001Frequently Asked Questions
Do children outgrow sleepwalking?
Most children outgrow sleepwalking by their teenage years as their nervous system matures. About 4% of adults continue to sleepwalk. If episodes are frequent or involve dangerous behaviour, consult your pediatrician.
Is sleepwalking dangerous?
The sleepwalking itself is not harmful to the brain, but the risk of injury during an episode is real. Falls, walking into objects, leaving the house, and even driving have been documented. Safety measures are the primary treatment.
Can you talk to a sleepwalker?
Sleepwalkers may respond to simple commands in a mumbling way, but they are not fully conscious. Do not expect a coherent conversation. Gentle guidance back to bed works better than trying to communicate.
Is it true you should never wake a sleepwalker?
You will not hurt them by waking them, but they may be very confused and agitated if woken suddenly. It is generally easier and safer to gently guide them back to bed without waking them.
When should I see a doctor about sleepwalking?
See a doctor if sleepwalking starts in adulthood, involves violent behaviour, causes injury, occurs multiple times per week, or is accompanied by excessive daytime sleepiness. An overnight sleep study may be recommended.
Sources
- American Academy of Sleep Medicine. International Classification of Sleep Disorders. 3rd ed. AASM. 2014.
- Walker M. Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams. Scribner. 2017. ISBN: 978-1501144318.
- Morin CM, Drake CL, Harvey AG, et al. Insomnia disorder. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2015;1:15026. DOI: 10.1038/nrdp.2015.26
- Health Canada. Sleep health and sleep disorders in adults. Public Health Agency of Canada. canada.ca/public-health
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Sources
- Laberge, L. et al. (2000). "Development of parasomnias from childhood to early adolescence." Pediatrics, 106(1), 67-74. PubMed 10878151.
- Morin, C. M. et al. (2006). "Psychological and behavioral treatment of insomnia." Sleep, 29(11), 1398-1414. PubMed 17162986.