Sleepwalking is one of the more mysterious behaviors that occur during sleep. It's a condition where people walk, talk, or perform other activities while still asleep. While sleepwalking might seem like something straight out of a horror movie, it’s a real medical condition.
But what causes it? Is it purely psychological, or are there physical or environmental factors at play? In this guide, we’ll explore the science behind sleepwalking, including the triggers and risk factors that contribute to it.
1. The Science Behind Sleepwalking
Understanding the Sleep Stages
Sleepwalking, or somnambulism, typically occurs during the deepest stages of non-REM sleep, specifically during slow-wave sleep. During this phase, the brain is in a state of deep rest, and the body is temporarily paralyzed to prevent acting out dreams. However, sleepwalkers don’t enter the full state of paralysis, leading them to perform complex activities like walking, talking, or even driving—all while unaware that they are asleep. Dr. Emily Parsons, a sleep specialist at the American Sleep Association, explains, “Sleepwalking usually happens during the transition between deep sleep and lighter stages of sleep, when the brain hasn’t fully woken up but the body starts to become active. This is why sleepwalkers can appear alert while performing tasks, yet have no memory of them the next morning.”
The Brain’s Partial Wakefulness
Sleepwalking occurs when a person’s brain experiences partial wakefulness, meaning that some parts of the brain are active while others remain asleep. In this in-between state, people may perform actions like walking around, opening doors, or even eating, without any conscious awareness of their actions. This lack of awareness is why sleepwalkers often can’t recall what they did once they fully wake up. Research has shown that the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for decision-making and conscious thought, remains dormant during these episodes, while areas controlling motor functions (like walking) become temporarily activated. This makes sleepwalking a fascinating example of how the brain can exhibit two different states at once.
2. What Triggers Sleepwalking?
Genetics and Family History
One of the primary factors in sleepwalking is genetics. Studies have shown that sleepwalking tends to run in families, suggesting a hereditary component. If you have a family member who sleepwalks, you may be more likely to experience it yourself. Dr. Sarah Mitchell, a neurologist at the Cleveland Clinic, says, “Genetics play a significant role in sleepwalking. People with close relatives who have sleepwalking episodes are at a much higher risk of developing the condition themselves.” This suggests that sleepwalking may be linked to certain inherited sleep patterns or brain activity.
Sleep Deprivation and Stress
Lack of sleep is a major trigger for sleepwalking. Sleep deprivation can disrupt the normal sleep cycle, making deep sleep (and the slow-wave sleep phase) less stable, which increases the likelihood of a sleepwalking episode. Similarly, high levels of stress or anxiety can heighten the chances of sleepwalking. Stress can interfere with the brain's ability to enter restorative sleep, leading to fragmented sleep cycles that increase the occurrence of sleepwalking.
Environmental Factors
Certain environmental factors, such as sleeping in a new or unfamiliar place, can also provoke sleepwalking. Major life changes or disruptions in routine (such as traveling, moving to a new home, or a change in work schedule) can trigger sleepwalking episodes in those predisposed to the condition.
Sleepwalking is a fascinating and complex condition that has intrigued both scientists and the general public for centuries. Although it can be alarming for those who experience it (or witness it), sleepwalking is a real and treatable condition that often has both genetic and environmental causes. By understanding the triggers—such as sleep deprivation, stress, and genetics—you can take steps to reduce the occurrence of sleepwalking or prevent it from happening in the future.
2-Minute Neuroscience: Sleepwalking
Video by Neuroscientifically Challenged
