Sleep walking FAQs

Are there risks of sleepwalking?

Yes, there are risks that come with sleepwalking. When you sleep walk, your brain’s not fully in charge and as a result of this, you can potentially trip, fall down stairs, try to leave the house and so forth. 

You could also turn on appliances, get locked outside, or even unintentionally harm yourself, or others. Sleepwalking should be taken seriously so that you, your family, and house can all be properly prepared.

Is sleepwalking more common in children or adults?

Typically, sleepwalking shows up most commonly in kids around the ages of four and eight, and most children grow out of sleepwalking by the time they hit puberty. Kid’s brains are still developing, and the boundaries between sleep stages aren’t quite as defined. 

Adults can also sleepwalk, but it’s less common, and it’s usually tied to specific stressors like sleep disorders and medications. If you’re an adult and are regularly sleep walking, it might be worth talking to a doctor to make sure nothing else deeper is going on. 

Can sleepwalking be completely cured?

Some people naturally stop sleepwalking on their own as their brains mature or as their stress levels change, but others need a little support. 

Sleep hygiene tweaks, therapy, and medication can all potentially help people to reduce the frequency of their sleep walking, improve their safety, and make sure that everyone in their house is getting as much rest as possible. 

What should I do if I find someone sleepwalking?

If you find someone sleepwalking, try not to panic or shake them awake. Instead as much as possible, aim to gently guide them back to bed with calm and quiet reassurances. If they do end up getting agitated or confused, try to keep your tone soft and give them space. 

A good rule of thumb is less is more because waking someone mid-episode can be disorienting or even lead to an aggressive response. Also, as you’re guiding them back to their bed, try to talk softly and avoid sudden movements and bright lights.

Is it common to have aggressive behavior while sleepwalking?

People can potentially be aggressive when they’re sleepwalking, especially if they feel cornered or startled awake. This aggression usually isn’t intentional or personal, it’s a reflex. If your partner or kid lashes out during an episode, this doesn’t mean that they’re angry, it just means that their brain is a little confused.

If you’re sleep walking or your loved one’s sleep walking starts to get aggressive or severe, reach out to a specialist to make sure everyone can remain safe and healthy.

Can stress and anxiety make sleepwalking worse?

Stress and anxiety can have a sneaky way of leaking into your sleep cycle and throw everything out of sync. This heightened state of anxiety can possibly lead to more fragmented sleep, and this can make sleepwalking more likely. 

If you, or your sleepwalking loved one, are going through something emotionally intense, this might show up as nighttime wandering. Practices like grounding, deep breathing, and even a calming bedtime routine can go a long way toward helping to relax your nervous system before bed and can help reduce your chances of sleepwalking.