Sleepwalking can be caused by genetic, environmental, and physical factors, and can involve activities beyond just walking. Good sleep hygiene can help reduce the risk, but some causes may be out of one’s control. Sleep clinics can help identify specific symptoms.
There can be a variety of causes for sleepwalking, ranging from age to genetic factors. Some causes are completely out of the sleepwalker’s control. For example, young children are prone to sleepwalking and most of them eventually come out of it. Other factors can be controlled for, and when sleep walking is identified as a problem, many doctors focus on potential causes that can be identified and eliminated to help their patients sleep better. Sometimes, patients may be asked to stay in a sleep clinic so doctors can learn more about their specific symptoms.
The term “sleepwalking” is a bit of a misnomer, because it’s not just about walking. Patients may engage in a variety of activities that are more generally associated with being awake, ranging from cooking to driving, and are usually partially conscious, rather than completely unconscious. Sleepwalking can be quite dangerous in some cases, which is why it’s important to identify the cause.
The causes of this condition can be classified as genetic factors, environmental causes and physical causes. People with relatives who sleepwalk are much more likely to start sleepwalking, as are people with a more general family history of sleep disorders. Environmental factors include sleep deprivation, poor sleeping conditions, and stress. Sometimes, for example, the presence of loud noises and strong smells can interfere with sleep.
Physical causes of this condition may include: magnesium deficiency, use of sedatives for sleeping, alcohol poisoning, fever, PTSD, pregnancy, antihistamines, stimulants, and some illnesses. Conditions that cause a variety of sleep problems can sometimes lead to sleepwalking, and sleepwalkers can also experience acid reflux and heart problems, which are linked to, though not necessarily causing, this condition. Some medications can also cause a person to walk in their sleep, in which case the labels usually include a warning to alert patients to the risk.
As can be seen from the examples above, it is not always possible to eliminate one cause of sleepwalking from one’s life. However, practicing good sleep hygiene can significantly reduce your risk by promoting a healthy night’s sleep. It’s a good idea to keep bedrooms fresh and adequately stocked with blankets, sheets, and pillows, and to reserve the bedroom for sleeping, rather than using it as a multipurpose room. This can reduce other sleep-related disorders as well as general stress and exhaustion levels.
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