Why do we say you shouldn’t wake a sleepwalker? Debunking this popular idea regarding sleepwalking.
In the popular imagination, wake up a sleepwalker would be very dangerous for your health of the sleeper. But, is it true? Why is this idea so entrenched in our society? What do doctors and scientists say? We answer all your questions in this article.
What is sleepwalking and how does it start?
Sleepwalking is often very misunderstood. Here is some information for understand this phenomenonnot that rare.
Who can sleepwalk at night before waking up?
First, know that the somnambulism is not serious in itself, it is a very frequentnatural and which can reach absolutely everyone. Many people are unaware of having already had sleepwalking attacks.
Generally, sleepwalking at night before waking up as if nothing had happened however more frequently to children. Quite simply because the latter have a more active brain than that of adults, even at night.
A child also dreams a lot more and rehashes the day’s events more easily than an adult during his sleep. This is due to stimulimany more for children who are still in a phase of learning regarding the world, of discovery, etc.
How are sleepwalking attacks triggered?
Sleepwalking is characterized by unconscious wakefulness which happens when the prone person is sleeping. The sleepwalker having his eyes open in his bed, speak, stand upeat and even do various activities. The sleepwalker can even sometimes do things that are dangerous for him or for others.
This is one of the primary causes of nocturnal wounds. This is also why it is important to know if one is a sleepwalker, in order to be medically supported to prevent these crises from recurring and becoming dangerous. Generally, the sleepwalker has no memory of these episodes. For the moment, no study can identify the exact causes of these crises. On the other hand, certain indicators can actually cause this disorder:
- The lack of sleep chronic can cause sleepwalking.
- The stress and anxiety disorders.
- The significant consumption ofalcohol.
- A consumption of drugs important.
- The taking of some medications.
- A brain activity important at night.
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Are there different forms of sleepwalking? What can the sleepwalker do during his seizure?
Yes, there are several forms of sleepwalking, some more disturbing than others. There is for example the simple somnambulism which can be characterized by a sleepwalker who simply has the open eyes in his bed or who sits in his bed. It can also be a talking sleepwalker, capable of having a conversation. There is also the sleepwalker who gets up and who is going to do things like eating, peeing on the floor, washing dishes, etc. In general, these attacks of simple somnambulism last 10 minutes.
We also have the crises of risky sleepwalking. Among them, we count in particular sleepwalkers who become aggressive towards others, objects, towards themselves during their sleep (assaults, defenestrations, etc). We also count la sexsomnia, a form of sleepwalking that causes the sleepwalker to engage in sexual activity while sleeping. Unfortunately, this often results in sex not consented.
Finally, there is the dissociative sleepwalking. The latter affects young people more. The crisis then occurs just following falling asleep and is similar to a night terror. It is more of an altered state of consciousness, close tohypnosis.
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Can we wake up a sleepwalker or not? The ultimate answer!
You now know how sleepwalking attacks are characterized. Now, knowing this, can you wake up a sleepwalker? According the expert Dr. The folderHead of Departments psychiatry and neurology and from the sleep center of a university hospital, not waking up a sleepwalker because it might be dangerous, that is completely wrong.
“It’s an urban legend. You can wake him up, but that’s just not helpful. You can try talking to him calmly, without waking him up. There is a way to be heard. But most of the time sleepwalkers return to their bed on their own,” explains the doctor.
So you can wake up a sleepwalker without any problem. Nevertheless, according to the doctor, this is usually not necessary. Just simply bring the sleepwalker back to bed. In any case, it is the most effective thing for most awake sleepers.
What to do when faced with a sleepwalker?
“It is crucial not to blame sleepwalkers. For the kids, I advise parents not to gossip regarding “all those crazy things you did last night”. It is better too avoid detailing their adventures to third parties in their presence. It would be a shame if they no longer dared to go to bed because of that. They need to know that they are sleepwalkers, for example if they go to camp. But really, be careful how you talk regarding it, because it will have consequences on how they go. manage their sleep« , also explains the psychiatrist expert.
“Sleepwalkers usually won’t harm others, but sometimes they may harm themselves.” I have known the case of children falling from a balcony or from a window. This happens more often when they sleep somewhere else than where they usually do. So sleepwalkers are taught to secure their environment : they must ensure that they do not no access to the outside of the house, remove the sharp objects of the room, and hide the medicines. If possible, they should make sure someone will hear them if they leave the room”he adds to our colleagues from Gael.
In other words it’s an urban legend. It is more dangerous to sleep with the light on than to wake a sleepwalker. The psychiatric expert also explains that if you know a sleepwalker, it is better to avoid making him feel guilty, but also let him know without scaring him that he was sleepwalking.
Indeed, as we have already explained to you, sleepwalking attacks can become dangerous due to the actions of the sleeper during his sleep. There are currently medical ways to treat this disorder, so it is best talk to your doctor in order to prevent possible risks.
