Does stress or anxiety trigger sleepwalking episodes?

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. According to the medical literature, stress and anxiety are considered factors that can trigger these episodes.

How Stress and Anxiety Affect Sleepwalking

• Stress and Anxiety as Triggers: Stress and anxiety can disrupt the normal sleep cycle, making sleepwalking episodes more likely. These emotional states can cause disturbances during non-REM (NREM) sleep, which is when sleepwalking typically occurs.
• Sleep Cycle Disruption: Stress and anxiety can lead to poor sleep quality, which may increase the frequency of sleepwalking episodes.

If you or someone you know is experiencing stress or anxiety, it may be helpful to seek support. For mental health concerns, you can visit 988lifeline.org.