Reported from the source

Quick summary: Sleepwalking, a parasomnia characterized by movement during a mixed state of deep sleep and partial wakefulness, can be dangerous and often leaves no memory. Research indicates it typically occurs during the first deep sleep phase and is linked to genetics, lifestyle, stress, and alcohol. Simple preventative measures, such as setting an alarm before typical episodes or using autosuggestion, are suggested by experts, with medication considered a last resort.

Sleepwalking, or somnambulism, is a phenomenon where individuals move while in a mixed state between deep sleep and partial wakefulness. Measurements of brain activity in sleepwalkers show delta waves, indicating deep sleep, yet the brain partially awakens. This typically occurs during the first deep sleep phase, one to two hours after falling asleep, and individuals often have no memory of their actions. According to Hans-Günter Weeß, a sleep researcher and psychotherapist, actions during sleepwalking can range from sitting up in bed to complex tasks, depending on the extent of brain wakefulness. He cites an extreme example of a truck driver who sleepwalks while driving his truck on the highway, only realizing it when his vehicle is parked elsewhere the next morning. Sleepwalking can be dangerous for both the individual and others, and legally, such episodes are considered a disturbance of consciousness, meaning the person is not responsible for their actions. To prevent episodes, Weeß suggests practical tricks. If a person knows when they typically sleepwalk after falling asleep, they can set an alarm ten minutes prior to that time, which often resolves the issue for the night. Relaxation techniques and autosuggestion, such as repeating phrases like “Tonight I am safe and as soon as my feet touch the ground, I will go straight back to bed” before sleep, can also be helpful. However, locking oneself in is not recommended if the key is accessible. Several factors can trigger or intensify sleepwalking. It is common in children, often resolving as their brains mature, and a genetic predisposition is evident, with a higher risk if parents or siblings are affected. In adults, an unhealthy lifestyle, including irregular or insufficient sleep, stress, and alcohol consumption, can contribute to parasomnias like sleepwalking. Weeß considers medication a last resort, as many can manage sleepwalking effectively without it. Despite these insights, sleepwalking remains largely a mystery to researchers, particularly why the brain enters this intermediate state and why episodes can disappear for years.

Source: www.tagesschau.de