Sleepwalking may seem like an absurd and, in some ways funny condition, but, in reality, it can be very dangerous. In fact, you are not master of your actions and you are not fully aware of the world around you, and therefore, you could harm yourself or others; moreover, it is not a pleasant experience for either you or your partner, who could even be frightening.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: If you live with your partner:
Step 1. Ask to close all doors and windows and hide the keys so that you cannot leave the house
Step 2. Also, ask your partner to hide the car keys - in fact, a sleepwalker has been driving while sleeping many times
Step 3. Hide anything in the room where you sleep that could harm you or others - scissors, knives, razors, etc
Step 4. Tell your partner that if she hears you getting up during the night she should ask you what you are doing - she shouldn't just think that you are going to the bathroom or to get a glass of water
If you are truly still asleep, it will be very easy to understand because you will not answer at all, or your answers will not make sense and will be confused.
Step 5. Tell your partner to bring you back to bed very gently
Method 2 of 2: If you live alone:
Step 1. Close all doors and windows anyway
In the sleepwalking state, if you try to open the door and it is closed, chances are you will just go back to bed instead of looking for the key.
Step 2. Put your car keys in a place where you don't usually leave them
It is likely that you will not remember it while you sleep and you will not start looking for them.
Step 3. Ask a friend or neighbor to keep whatever items you may use to harm yourself or others - knives, razors, cutlery, tennis rackets, axes, heavy work tools, and even medicines
It may seem like a tedious job, but there have been (very rare) reports of people committing crimes during a sleepwalking episode. It is better not to take risks.
Step 4. Position objects so that they block your path
Do not put things that can hurt you if you trip, but non-dangerous items, such as a coat hanger.
Step 5. Leave the clothes ready out of the closet
If, despite the precautions taken, you still manage to get out of the house, and if you see some ready-made clothes, you may want to put them on and you will be much less vulnerable with clothes on than in pajamas.
Step 6. Put an alarm connected to your door that sounds every time you open it
If the sound is audible enough, you will wake up.
Advice
- You may not be aware of your sleepwalking. Many sleepwalkers go to the kitchen to have a snack during the episode; look for signs, such as crumbs on the bed or food packet papers left lying around. Also remember that you may wake up in a completely different place than your bed.
- It is very common for children to suffer from episodes of sleepwalking; don't worry, these are very rare episodes that disappear with growth. You can always see a doctor to discuss the situation if it worries you.
- Sometimes, sleepwalking is caused by other factors, such as lack of sleep, irregular sleep, alcohol or drug abuse, stress, bereavement, or the use of medicines. Other factors include: physical and mental illnesses such as high fever, asthma, irregular heart rhythm, sleep apnea, post-traumatic stress disorder, multiple personality, and panic attacks are some of the known causes of sleepwalking. There are many other explanations, but the cause is not always identified.
- It is a common misconception that waking up a sleepwalker during an episode is dangerous. In fact, that's not true at all. However, it can be very difficult to wake a person up in that state, and he will be disoriented and confused when he awakens.
- Sometimes, sleepwalking occurs for no obvious reason. However, hypnosis can be a valid remedy to take into consideration. The hypnotized patient is instilled with the command to wake up immediately when the feet touch the ground. Talk to your doctor and do some internet research about it.
- If you can't find a clear reason for your sleepwalking, keep a journal in which to write down the causes of stress in your life. Ask your partner (if you have one) to take note of each episode; you may find a link between a sleepwalking episode and, for example, a very stressful day.
- Try some simple relaxation techniques or try meditating before bed. On the Internet, you can find many sites that explain how.
- Sleepwalking occurs in identical twins and is often hereditary - talk to your family and find out if there are any.
Warnings
- Don't go to sleep if you are stressed or angry. Try to calm down first.
- Do not take any medicines that help you sleep unless it is a natural remedy; the problem, in fact, could get worse.
