What causes someone to sleepwalk during the night?

Sleepwalking, or somnambulism, is a condition where a person walks or performs complex behaviors while still asleep. It typically occurs during the deep sleep stage, known as non-REM sleep.

Causes

• Sleep Deprivation: According to Mayer et al., lack of sleep can increase the likelihood of sleepwalking. When someone is very tired, their deep sleep may be disrupted, leading to episodes of sleepwalking.
• Genetics: Guilleminault and colleagues suggest that sleepwalking can run in families, indicating a genetic component.
• Stress and Environmental Factors: Stressful situations or changes in environment can also trigger sleepwalking episodes.

Age Groups

• Children: Guilleminault et al. note that sleepwalking is more common in children, often linked to sleep terrors.
• Elderly: Leu-Semenescu and Arnulf discuss that disruptive nocturnal behaviors, including sleepwalking, can occur in older adults, possibly due to changes in sleep patterns or underlying health issues.

If you or someone you know experiences disruptive sleep behaviors, consider reaching out to a healthcare provider for guidance. For mental health support, visit 988lifeline.org.