How to Determine if Someone is Sleepwalking

Understanding the signs and symptoms of sleepwalking can be crucial for those concerned about themselves or a loved one who may be experiencing this condition. Sleepwalking, or somnambulism, is a sleep disorder that affects individuals during deep sleep, causing them to walk or perform other activities while still asleep.

Observational Techniques

There are several ways to detect if someone is sleepwalking:

1. Install a Nanny Camera or Motion Sensor

One of the most effective methods is to install a nanny camera or motion sensor around the house. By recording your movements during sleep for a couple of weeks, you can gather evidence to show a physician if you are sleepwalking or address any other symptoms you may be experiencing.

Example: Get/borrow a nanny camera and film yourself for a couple of weeks. If you are sleepwalking, you’ll have proof to show your physician. If you aren’t, you can address the symptoms you’re having with your physician.

2. Place Obstacles on the Floor Near the Bed

Another technique is to place items on the floor near the bed that could be easily knocked over if someone got up and started walking. In the morning, check if these items have been disturbed. This can help you determine if someone has sleepwalked during the night.

Example: Leave things on your floor around your bed that would be easily knocked over if you got out of bed and walked around. See if they have been disturbed in the morning.

Personal Experiences

Personal observations from those who have directly experienced or witnessed sleepwalking can provide valuable insights into the behavior and symptoms associated with this condition.

1. Witnessing Sleepwalking Episodes

Some individuals have had firsthand experiences with sleepwalking. For instance, one person mentioned: I’ve woken up while sleepwalking outside and talking to people. I’ve slept walked and vaguely remembered dreamlike states of activity. I have mostly had some awareness of it.

2. Witnessing Sleepwalking in a Friend

A friend of another person overslept and would often show up at school with disheveled appearances. As another example: My HS friend overslept a lot and would usually run into class with his hair uncombed, shirt wrinkled and untucked, and shoes untied. A couple of times, he ran in bare-chested and in bare feet.

Indications of Sleepwalking

Individuals who sleepwalk often have noticeable signs and behaviors that can reveal the condition. Some common indications include:

1. Unusual State of Wakefulness

Often, you’ll know if you sleepwalk, as say, you go to sleep head on your pillow and you wake up with your head at the foot of your bed, or you fall asleep at your desk and wake up in your bed. I would recommend buying a cheap motion sensor camera and installing that.

2. Memory Lapse

Family members of those who sleepwalk often cannot recall any of the activities performed during sleepwalking incidents. In such cases, someone witnessing the behavior is necessary to provide a description of what occurred.

I have a family member who sleepwalks and they don’t remember a thing. Someone would have to see you and describe what you do. If you wake up to eat or leave the house, maybe you should leave food out if you are home alone or place something on your bedroom door that would let you know you got up at night.

3. Subtle Indicators

For teenagers who sleepwalk, there are often subtle indicators such as mood changes. My teenage daughter used to sleepwalk all the time. It was a bit disconcerting! I usually knew she was asleep by her demeanor - being uncharacteristically grumpy and bad-tempered! Her eyes would also be extremely red which was a bit worrying to see.

Apart from that, she would as others have said be doing something very purposefully - such as looking for something or getting dressed for school at 3 a.m.!!

These examples demonstrate the various ways to detect and understand sleepwalking. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these signs, it is important to seek medical advice to understand the underlying causes and address the condition effectively.