There is a high probability that you or someone else in your life has experienced a sleepwalking episode at least once in their life. Sleepwalking is a common occurrence and normally involves walking or performing other complex behaviours while still asleep.
It's more prevalent in children but fades with age and time. Some adults also experience episodes of sleep walking. According to the American Academy of sleep medicine, sleepwalking affects up to four percent of adults. Here are some of the causes of sleepwalking.
Sleep deprivation
Not getting enough sleep increases your chances of sleepwalking.
A study done on sleepwalkers showed that those who were sleep deprived had more sleep walking episodes.
Brian Sam Mureithi
Physical or emotional stress
Stress or anxiety can also cause you to sleepwalk. Stress can be caused by either physical (pain) or emotional factors. Stress can also occur as a result of discomfort or change for example when you are travelling or sleeping in an unfamiliar place.
Restless leg syndrome
This is normally a condition that causes you to have uncontrollable urge to move your legs. Normally happens in the evening and at night when you are sleeping. Experiencing this sudden desire at night in your sleep may cause you to sleepwalk.
Mbeke Wambua
Certain medications
Some certain medicines have been proved to cause sleepwalking. Most of this medication is taken by people to help them sleep especially those experiencing spells of sleep deprivation.
Sleepwalking may cause you to harm yourself or somebody else since you are not in your normal senses while sleep walking. Seek medication if your sleepwalking persists.
Featured image: The Guardian
