Can sleep deprivation lead to sleepwalking?

Sleepwalking, also known as somnambulism, is a behavior disorder that originates during deep sleep and results in walking or performing other complex behaviors while asleep.

How Sleep Deprivation Leads to Sleepwalking:

• Disrupted Sleep Patterns: Sleep deprivation can alter the normal structure of sleep. This disruption can lead to increased episodes of sleepwalking.
• Increased Sleep Pressure: When you are sleep-deprived, your body has a higher 'sleep pressure,' which means a stronger need to catch up on sleep. This can cause deeper and more intense sleep cycles, during which sleepwalking is more likely to occur.

Studies and Findings:

• Research has shown that factors like sleep deprivation can 'prime' individuals for sleepwalking. This means that being very tired can make it more likely for someone to sleepwalk.
• Sleepwalking can occur at any age, but it is more common in children. However, adults can experience sleepwalking too, especially if they are sleep-deprived.

If you or someone you know is experiencing sleepwalking and it is causing concern, it is important to seek advice from a healthcare professional. For mental health concerns, you can visit 988lifeline.org.