A sleepwalker is a person who performs actions—most notably walking—while stuck in a state between deep sleep and wakefulness. Formally known as somnambulism, it is classified as a parasomnia (a type of sleep disorder).
The brain during a sleepwalking episode is essentially split; the motor cortex is awake enough to allow complex movement, but the prefrontal cortex remains in a deep, non-REM slow-wave sleep. Key Behavioral Signs
Glazed Expression: Their eyes are usually wide open, but they have a blank, unseeing stare.
Complex Tasks: Sleepwalkers can perform basic movements, but some navigate rooms, eat, or even drive vehicles.
Amnesia: Upon waking up, the person rarely has any conscious memory of what they did.
Incoherent Speech: They may mumble or give completely nonsensical answers if spoken to. Causes and Triggers
According to clinical overviews from the Mayo Clinic and the Cleveland Clinic, sleepwalking is highly genetic and frequently runs in families. It affects roughly 5% to 15% of children, who usually outgrow it by their teenage years. Only about 1% to 1.5% of adults sleepwalk. Common triggers for both adults and children include: Severe sleep deprivation High stress or anxiety Fever or physical illness Alcohol consumption or certain sedative medications Safety and Misconceptions Sleepwalking – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
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