Updated: Dec. 9, 2020
Originally Published: Nov. 4, 2019
The clock strikes 4 a.m., and while the rest of my household is sound asleep, I find myself in a bewildering situation. Instead of my cozy bed, I’m sprawled on the couch, remnants of two melted popsicles clinging to my skin and a third one dripping onto my lap. To add to my embarrassment, I’m completely topless. The television flickers with some random show I would never choose while awake, but the most alarming part? I have no recollection of how I ended up here. Clearly, I’m sleepwalking… again.
As a child, sleepwalking was a frequent occurrence. My mother would tuck me in, only to find me later wandering around the house in a daze. I would fidget with the front door or rummage through the fridge. On particularly eerie nights, I’d pace through rooms with a vacant stare, mumbling nonsensical phrases. My mom managed to guide me back to bed without waking me, usually with gentle prompts that eventually led me to comply, albeit not immediately.
Contrary to popular belief, sleepwalking isn’t confined to children. While it’s most common among adolescents, research shows that about 25% of kids who experience sleepwalking will continue to do so into adulthood, contributing to the millions of adults in the U.S. who roam their homes at night.
As an adult, I’ve tracked my sleepwalking episodes and noticed they often coincide with periods of significant stress. Various factors can contribute to sleepwalking disorders, including sleep deprivation, substance abuse, medications, heart issues, and mental health conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and dissociative disorders.
The reasons behind why some adults continue sleepwalking while others do not remain unclear, as the condition has received limited research attention. However, a recent study highlighted that sleepwalking can lead to increased daytime fatigue, insomnia, and altered quality of life, suggesting it’s more than just an odd quirk.
In recent years, I’ve found myself waking up outdoors multiple times—often on the cold cement of our back porch or with a sore neck from awkward positions by doorways. On one memorable occasion, I woke up on the front porch swing, bare as could be, indulging in a bowl of Fruit Loops. Thankfully, in my dream-like state, I had the foresight to wrap myself in a cozy blanket before my unexpected exhibitionism near a busy street.
My sleepwalking escapades have also included more intimate moments, such as initiating physical affection with my partner while still asleep and even writing incoherent notes on my phone. Perhaps the most alarming episodes involve taking baths, which often wake me up when the water turns ice-cold or begins to overflow.
Clearly, this is not how one should define restful sleep. Whenever I begin to regain consciousness, I’m enveloped in confusion, racing thoughts bombarding me: “What am I doing here?” “Why am I outside?” “What’s happening?” During these episodes, the brain remains partially awake, resulting in complex behaviors without the individual’s awareness. It’s no wonder people are advised against abruptly waking a sleepwalker, as doing so can lead to confusion and fear.
Given the dangerous situations I often find myself in during these episodes, it’s not uncommon for me to experience intense panic upon waking. If I’m jolted awake by a sudden bump or harsh touch, my fear and disorientation only deepen until I can piece together the events.
Dr. Samuel Reynolds, a leading researcher in sleep disorders, categorizes sleepwalking as an underrecognized condition that deserves attention and understanding. It is vital to de-stigmatize this phenomenon, as it is completely beyond the control of the sleepwalker.
For more on the implications of sleepwalking and other related topics, check out this article, which provides additional insights. For those considering home insemination options, CryoBaby offers expert resources in the field, while the American Pregnancy Association provides valuable information on donor insemination.
In summary, sleepwalking can be a perplexing and often alarming experience, especially for those who navigate their lives while unaware of their nighttime escapades. Understanding this condition is crucial for both those affected and their loved ones.
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