2024-01-24 00:00:00
Although the phenomenon fades with age, 2 to 4% of adults remain affected. If the idea of a being with a blank stare, strolling with outstretched arms in the corridors, while muttering incoherent sentences, ready to smile, living with sleepwalking is not easy. Neither for the sleepwalker, nor for those around him. So, what are the right actions to adopt when faced with this type of unconscious behavior? Is it true that you should never wake up a sleepwalker? The subject of all the clichés, this pathology today reveals its mysteries.
Wake up !
If it is not recommended to wake a sleepwalking person from their torpor, it is so as not to frighten them. “A sleepwalker who wakes up suddenly risks being very confused, disoriented, to the point where he might believe he is threatened and act violent,” explains Dr. Haba Rubio, specialist in neurology, who recalls that “sleepwalking is a parasomnia”, in the same way as night terrors. If you don’t want to end up with a black eye, it’s best to “speak gently and walk the person calmly to their bed.” On the other hand, in the event of danger, it is imperative to act with greater firmness. If the sleeper is on the stairs or by a window, for example…
Who is a sleepwalker?
Sleepwalking mainly affects children aged 8 to 10. Some studies have identified up to 20% of sleepwalking darlings. This proportion decreases in adolescents and then until adulthood. “It is very rare for people to become sleepwalkers without having been a child,” explains Dr. Haba Rubio. Worse: this disorder would be hereditary! “When one of the two parents has experienced episodes of sleepwalking, the rate of children affected reaches 47.7% and this figure increases to 61.5% if both parents have been so.” Stress, fever, lack of sleep, noise or alcohol are all factors that amplify the phenomenon. What is happening in the brain? The researchers speak of a “dissociated awakening”: “The sleepwalker is asleep, in a deep sleep phase, but a small part of his brain wakes up.” This allows him to sit, walk around, get a glass of water and, in rare cases, cook or drive a car. With almost no memory of his nocturnal adventures.
Is it serious doctor ?
Most attacks are benign and do not cause any particular consequences, other than a state of drowsiness when they are regular, i.e. more than once a week. It is therefore important to consult your doctor who can refer you to a sleep specialist. However, if there is a risk of injury to oneself or to others, it is imperative to secure the sleepwalker’s area: close doors and windows, avoid bunk beds, hide dangerous objects, etc. Note that sleepwalking causes part of the reasons for reformation from military service. Since it requires sleeping in unfamiliar places – conducive to trouble – and near weapons! Notice to those who dreamed of a career in the army: you have to know how to change your mind, if you don’t want to turn your gun to the left.
Tall tales
Sometimes, the sleep disorder can serve as an alibi. Let us cite the case of Kenneth James Parks. In 1987, this Canadian was acquitted after killing his in-laws during a sleepwalking attack. Here too, in Nivelles, a student was pardoned in 2021 following the seven stabbings of his sleeping roommate. The defense claimed sleepwalking, the Belgian justice system ruled!
This article appeared in Le Télépro on 18/1/2024
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