What should you do if someone is sleepwalking?

Sleepwalking, also known as somnambulism, is a mysterious and sometimes frightening phenomenon. Whether it's a child wandering through the house at night or an adult suddenly waking up on the sofa, sleepwalking raises many questions. In this blog, you will discover what to do if someone is sleepwalking, what the possible causes are, and you will get practical tips against sleepwalking for both children and adults.

What is sleepwalking?

Sleepwalking is a sleep disorder in which a person moves physically during deep sleep, without being aware of it. It occurs most often in children between 4 and 12 years old, but adults can also suffer from it. During a sleepwalk, a person can:

• Sit up in bed

• Walk around the house

• Open door or cabinet doors

• Perform senseless actions

• In rare cases, leave the house

The most striking thing? The sleepwalker usually remembers nothing of this the next morning.

Is sleepwalking dangerous?

In most cases, sleepwalking itself is not dangerous. The risk lies mainly in the environment. Consider:

• Climbing stairs or falling down stairs

• Opening the door and walking outside

• Bumping into furniture or sharp objects

• Cooking or operating appliances while sleepwalking

Therefore, it is important to create a safe sleep environment and to know what to do if someone is sleepwalking.

Causes of sleepwalking

There is no single clear cause of sleepwalking, but there are a number of known triggers. Some common causes of sleepwalking include:

• Sleep deprivation: a disturbed sleep pattern increases the chance of sleepwalking

• Stress and anxiety: worries can manifest physically during sleep

• Fever: especially in children, a high temperature can lead to sleepwalking

• Genetic predisposition: if it runs in the family, the chance is higher

• Medication or alcohol: some substances affect deep sleep

• Sleep problems such as sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome

What to do if someone is sleepwalking?

When you notice someone is sleepwalking, it is important to stay calm and follow these steps:

1. Leave the person as undisturbed as possible

Try not to wake the sleepwalker abruptly, as this can lead to confusion, fear, or even aggression.

2. Gently guide the person back to bed

Speak softly and try to gently guide the person back to their bedroom.

3. Ensure a safe environment

• Close windows and doors securely

• Secure stairs with gates

• Remove sharp or dangerous objects

• Consider using a child lock on the door

4. Keep a sleep diary

Note when and how often sleepwalking occurs, what happened, and if there was prior stress or sleep deprivation. This can be useful later for the GP or specialist.

Tips against sleepwalking

While you can't always prevent sleepwalking, you can significantly reduce the risk with these practical tips:

For children:

• Ensure a calm bedtime routine

• Let them get enough sleep

• Avoid exciting screen time before bed

• Ensure a quiet and dark bedroom

For adults:

• Avoid alcohol and caffeine in the evening

• Reduce stress with relaxation exercises

• Maintain a regular sleep schedule

• Consider relaxation techniques such as meditation or breathing

General:

• Use a motion sensor or baby monitor for young children

• Consider sleep therapy if sleepwalking is severe or prolonged

• Consult a GP or sleep expert in severe cases

When should you see a doctor?

In most cases, sleepwalking is harmless and disappears on its own, especially in children. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor if:

• Sleepwalking occurs regularly or severely

• The person puts themselves or others in danger

• There are other sleep problems or extreme daytime fatigue

• The behavior is very unusual or disturbing

Conclusion: What can you do if someone is sleepwalking?

Sleepwalking doesn't have to be a cause for panic, but it does require a good approach. Ensure a safe environment, learn to recognize possible causes, and adjust simple habits in daily life. If in doubt or facing persistent problems, it is always wise to seek professional help.