It’s 4 a.m., and while the rest of the house is in a deep slumber, I find myself wide awake in the most unexpected place. Instead of my cozy bed, I’m sprawled out on the couch, remnants of two popsicles clinging to my sticky fingers and a third one dripping onto my lap. To make matters worse, I’m completely topless and braless, the TV flickering with a random show that I wouldn’t typically watch when fully conscious. The most unsettling part? I have no recollection of how I ended up here. Sleepwalking strikes again.
As a child, my sleepwalking episodes were quite frequent. My mom would tuck me into bed, turn on her favorite adult shows, and later find me wandering around the house like a sleep-deprived zombie. Sometimes I would fumble with the front door or rummage through the refrigerator; other times, I’d just stand there in a daze. The creepiest moments were when I would pace through the rooms, a vacant stare on my face, mumbling gibberish.
According to her, she always managed to guide me back to bed without waking me up. With gentle reminders, I would eventually settle down, even if it took a little while. Many people think sleepwalking only affects children, but this is a misconception. While it’s more common among young ones, around 25% of children who sleepwalk will continue the behavior into adulthood—resulting in over 8.4 million adults in the U.S. wandering around at night.
Having experienced sleepwalking for as long as I can remember, I’ve noticed that my episodes often coincide with times of significant stress. There are numerous factors that contribute to sleepwalking disorders, including sleep deprivation, various sleep disorders, alcohol use, side effects from medications, heart issues, and even psychological conditions like PTSD and panic attacks.
Interestingly, research on why some adults continue to sleepwalk while others do not is limited. Yet, a recent study has shed light on the potential dangers and lifestyle impacts associated with adult sleepwalking. Dr. Yves Dauvilliers, the study’s lead author, highlighted that those who sleepwalk may experience increased daytime sleepiness, fatigue, insomnia, and symptoms of anxiety and depression, significantly affecting their quality of life.
Over the past few years, I’ve found myself waking up outside on several occasions: sometimes sitting on the cold back porch steps or even slumped against the side of the house. On one particularly memorable night, I wandered outside, sat on the front porch swing, and enjoyed a bowl of Fruit Loops completely naked! Thankfully, my dream-state had the foresight to wrap me in a fuzzy blanket before I made my “birthday suit” debut near a busy street.
My sleepwalking antics have included initiating intimate moments with my partner, sending incoherent messages from my phone, and even taking baths without remembering it—only to wake up to the shock of icy water. Clearly, this is not a recipe for restful nights.
When I eventually come to, I’m often left in a fog of confusion, racing thoughts running through my mind: “What am I doing?” “Why am I here?” “What is happening?” During these episodes, my brain is partially awake, leading to complex behaviors while I remain unaware of my actions. This is why it’s advised not to wake a sleepwalker abruptly.
Given the potentially dangerous situations in which I often awaken, it’s not uncommon for feelings of fear to wash over me. If I’m abruptly jolted awake—whether from stumbling into furniture or being startled—I experience even greater confusion and terror until I can piece together what has just occurred. Dr. Dauvilliers emphasizes that sleepwalking is an underdiagnosed condition that deserves more attention and understanding, as it is entirely beyond the control of the individual experiencing it.
For those interested in more information on related topics, you can check out our blog post on child vaccination here, as well as resources on nutritious beverages here. If you’re seeking insights on pregnancy and home insemination, visit this excellent resource here.
In summary, sleepwalking is a serious condition that can lead to unexpected and even dangerous situations. With the right awareness and understanding, both sleepwalkers and those around them can navigate this challenging experience more effectively.