Introduction
Imagine retiring to a bedroom that is cold, dark, and quiet on linens that are soft and cozy. You awaken from a deep and restful sleep, only to realize that you are not in the bed in which you fell asleep. Sleepwalking is a peculiar occurrence that occurs sometimes.
It’s as if your awake self and your sleepy self are crashing into one other like two different worlds. So, what exactly is the root of the problem?
Sleepwalking Is A Real Thing Here’s What You Need To Know
Sleepwalking is a real thing and it can be pretty dangerous. Here’s what you need to know about sleepwalking and how to keep yourself safe.
“Sleepwalking typically takes place during non-REM and obstructive sleep apnea, which is characterized by the absence of brain activity but not the complete paralysis of the body that characterizes REM sleep.
It is thought that two regions of the brain, the cortex, and the limbic region, are awake while the frontal cortex and the hippocampus continue to sleep. These regions are the cortex and the limbic region. Therefore, you are only partially awake right now.
In addition to the characteristics listed in ICD-10 CM sleepwalking is considered to be a mental illness by the American Psychiatric Association if the events associated with sleepwalking cause clinically significant distress or impairment in society. (Source: Plos One)
Sleepwalking is more likely to occur in children than in adults. Some estimates suggest that only about 2–4% of adults ever experience sleepwalking, in contrast to about 15% of children.
Because wake sleepwalkers generally do not remember episodes or only have a hazy memory of the night before, it is difficult to determine the true prevalence of the condition. The vast majority of the time, you pick up knowledge of the behavior from a parent, flatmate, or spouse.
Sleepwalking is a sleep disorder that causes people to walk or do other activities while they are asleep. Sleepwalkers usually don’t remember what they did while they were sleepwalking.
The sleepwalking episodes can be dangerous because sleepwalkers can injure themselves or others. They can also put themselves in dangerous situations, like walking in front of traffic.
If you think you might be a sleepwalker, it’s important to talk to a doctor. There are treatments that can help. In the meantime, there are some things you can do to keep yourself safe.
Why Do People Sleepwalk?
There are many different theories as to why people sleepwalk, but the most likely explanation is that it’s a result of sleep deprivation or a sleep behavior disorder.
Sleep deprivation can be caused by a number of things, including stress, anxiety, medications, and sleep disorders. Sleep disorders like sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome can also lead to adult sleepwalking episodes.
All of these conditions can lead to sleepwalking. They make it more difficult for your brain to proceed through the stages of sleep in a normal manner, which, in theory, might make it easier for you to become stuck in the phase where you are only partially sleeping.
It should be noted that a lack of proper sleep hygiene is linked to the majority of these reasons. Therefore, the first step you should do to put a stop to sleepwalking is to take a close look at your sleeping habits and make adjustments to enhance them.
Can Sleepwalking Happen To Anyone?
Yes, sleepwalking can happen to anyone. It is most common in children but can occur in adults as well. Sleepwalking occurs when a person is in a state between wakefulness and sleep.
It usually happens during the deep sleep stage, when the body is in a state of complete muscle relaxation.
What Are Causes Of Sleepwalking?
- Stress: Sleepwalking is often caused by stress. When we are stressed, our bodies produce a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol makes us feel alert and can prevent us from falling asleep.
- Anxiety: Anxiety can also cause sleepwalking. When we are anxious, our bodies produce a hormone called adrenaline. Adrenaline makes us feel alert and can prevent us from falling asleep.
- Depression: Depression can also cause sleepwalking. When we are depressed, our bodies produce a hormone called serotonin. Serotonin makes us feel calm and can prevent us from falling asleep.
- Sleep deprivation: Sleep deprivation can also cause sleepwalking. When we are sleep deprived, our bodies produce a hormone called norepinephrine. Norepinephrine makes us feel alert and can prevent us from falling asleep.
- Medications: Medications can also cause sleepwalking. Some medications, such as stimulants, can cause sleepwalking.
7 Ways To Avoid Sleepwalking
There are a few things you can do to avoid sleepwalking and get a good night’s sleep:
1. Wake Up With The Purpose
Wake up each day with purpose and you’ll avoid sleepwalking episodes throughout your life. You’ll have a clear goal to achieve and you’ll be motivated to achieve it. You’ll also be more productive because you’ll be using your time wisely.
2. Make Time Each Day For Things
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life and forget what’s truly important to you.
That’s why it’s important to make time each day to do things that matter to you, whether it’s spending time with family and friends, pursuing a hobby, or simply taking a few moments to yourself to relax and rejuvenate.
By making time for the things that matter to you, you can avoid sleepwalking through life and wake up each day feeling refreshed and fulfilled.
3. Don’t Be Afraid To Take Risks
In order to avoid sleepwalking through life, don’t be afraid to take risks. Jump out of your comfort zone and explore new things. Try new activities and meet new people. Live life to the fullest and don’t let your fears hold you back.
4. Follow Your Heart
The best way to avoid sleepwalking through life is to follow your heart. When you follow your heart, you are more likely to be happy and fulfilled. You will also be more likely to make positive choices that will lead to a better life.
5. Live In The Present Moment
The present moment is all we have, so it’s important to live in it as much as possible to avoid sleepwalking through life. If we’re not careful, we can easily become caught up in the past or the future and miss out on what’s happening right now.
One way to stay present is to focus on your breath. Whenever you find your mind wandering, simply bring your attention back to your breath. This will help you to stay grounded in the present moment and avoid getting lost in your thoughts.
Another way to live in the present moment is to be mindful of your surroundings. Pay attention to the sights, sounds, and smells around you and really take them in. This will help you to appreciate the present moment and not take it for granted.
6. Let Go Of What’s Holding You Back
Most people go through life without really living. They’re too afraid to let go of what’s holding them back, so they end up sleepwalking through life instead.
Don’t be like most people. Let go of whatever is holding you back and start living your life to the fullest. You only have one life to live, so make it count.
7. Create Your Own Happiness
Most people go through life without ever taking the time to create their own happiness. They sleepwalk through life, going through the motions day after day without ever really living.
Don’t be one of those people. Create your own happiness. Find things that make you happy and do them every day. Surround yourself with positive people and things. Live your life to the fullest and don’t let anyone or anything hold you back.
Creating your own happiness is the best way to avoid sleepwalking through life. When you’re happy, you’re more likely to enjoy every day and make the most of every opportunity. So start creating your own happiness today and enjoy a more fulfilling life.
Conclusion
There are many approaches to treatment available for the illness. However, sleepwalking is a real medical disorder that can put one’s life in jeopardy, particularly when it occurs in adults.
Take care of yourself, especially when it comes to getting enough sleep, and know that we wish for this post to be of use to you.
