Sleepwalking, also called somnambulism, is a really interesting sleep disorder. It makes people do things while they are still asleep! This can be as simple as sitting up in bed or as adventurous as walking around the house. Some sleepwalkers might just sit or stand in bed, looking awake even though they are not.
One of the most noticeable things about sleepwalking is that the sleepwalker’s eyes are usually open. But, they don’t see things the same way as when they are awake. Sleepwalkers might think they are in a different place, which can make them feel confused. These episodes can last from a few seconds to about half an hour, but usually, they last around ten minutes. Afterward, the person usually goes back to bed and doesn’t remember what happened.
Scientists are still trying to figure out exactly why people sleepwalk. However, they do know that it happens more often in kids. It’s because of a temporary mix-up in the sleep cycle. The sleep cycle has four stages:
During REM sleep, your body is temporarily paralyzed so you don’t act out your dreams. Sleepwalking happens when the brain skips the REM stage and goes straight from deep sleep to being awake, leaving the person stuck between sleeping and waking up.
Sleepwalking is common in kids, but it usually goes away as they grow older. In adults, things like stress, sleep apnea, and certain medications can cause sleepwalking. If sleepwalking becomes a problem, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor who can help with advice and tips for better sleep.
If you see someone sleepwalking, don’t wake them up suddenly. Instead, gently guide them back to bed so they can keep sleeping peacefully.
Did you know that about 40% of kids have sleepwalked at least once? But only about 4% of adults have the same experience.
Sleepwalking is a fascinating part of how our sleep works. Even though it might seem strange, understanding why it happens can make it less mysterious. If sleepwalking is causing problems, getting help from a professional can lead to better sleep and feeling healthier overall.
Sleep Cycle Role Play: Gather a group of friends or family members and act out the different stages of the sleep cycle. One person can be the “narrator” who explains each stage, while others act out what happens during that stage. For example, during Stage 3, everyone can pretend to be in a deep sleep, and during Stage 4, they can mimic dreaming. This activity helps you understand how sleepwalking fits into the sleep cycle.
Sleepwalking Detective: Become a sleepwalking detective by observing your own sleep habits. Keep a sleep diary for a week, noting what time you go to bed, how you feel in the morning, and if you remember any dreams. Share your findings with a family member and discuss if you notice any patterns. This can help you understand how different factors might affect sleepwalking.
Math and Sleepwalking: Let’s do some math related to sleepwalking! If 40% of kids have sleepwalked at least once, and there are 25 kids in your class, how many of them might have sleepwalked? Use the equation $$text{Number of sleepwalkers} = frac{40}{100} times 25$$ to find out. Discuss with your classmates why sleepwalking might be more common in kids than adults.
