Definition: Getting up and walking around during sleep.
Ever wish you had more time in the day to get things done? Sleepwalkers might have the right idea, although they aren’t exactly productive during their late-night activities.
Sleepwalkers may open their eyes, follow a routine (get dressed or eat), talk, drive a car, or even engage in sexual activity. Sounds like Hollywood, right? Some people even engage in odd behavior, like peeling a carrot.
Children are the most common sleepwalkers out there, and they generally outgrow it by puberty, but there are plenty of adults that are walking zombies.
Generally, it is not a problem, but it can hurt the sleepwalker and those around them in extreme cases. As soon as it becomes frequent and disruption occurs, you should discuss it with your doctor. Stress, sickness, and disorders can cause it, and generally, treatment of sleepwalking is solving the underlying problem.
While treatment is ongoing, make sure to keep the environment safe. Lock all the doors, think about installing an alarm, and put sharp objects out of reach. If you encounter a sleepwalker, lead them back to bed; there is no need to wake them up.
Speak to our Sleep Doctors about how to best manage your Sleepwalking.