10 Sleep Walking Symptoms
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Sleepwalking is sometimes the subject of funny viral videos that capture an individual making elaborate meals or cleaning their house while catching a few winks. However, sleepwalking can be deeply impactful to those affected by it. Also known as somnambulism, sleepwalking occurs during deep sleep and is characterized by unusual behaviors carried out while asleep.1‘Sleepwalking Symptoms and Causes.’ Mayo Clinic, 21 July 2017, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sleepwalking/symptoms-causes/syc-20353506
Sleepwalking symptoms may not always be obvious, especially if no one is else around to witness the behavior. Since it may only happen occasionally, those who do it may not even realize they're sleepwalking. Learning sleepwalking symptoms can help address underlying causes and inform treatment options.
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Getting Out of Bed
The most common sleepwalking symptom includes getting out of bed and moving around while completely asleep. These episodes may last for just a few minutes or longer, depending on the individual.1‘Sleepwalking Symptoms and Causes.’ Mayo Clinic, 21 July 2017, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sleepwalking/symptoms-causes/syc-20353506 The average length of a sleepwalking episode is around 10 minutes.2Suni, Eric. ‘Sleepwalking.’ Sleep Foundation, 14 August 2020, sleepfoundation.org/parasomnias/sleepwalking
Despite the moniker, sleepwalking isn't solely limited to walking. Individuals may also run, engage in sexual activity, move furniture or complete other household tasks. Additional possible sleepwalking behaviors include attempting to drive or even becoming violent. Individuals sometimes return to bed on their own with no intervention.2Suni, Eric. ‘Sleepwalking.’ Sleep Foundation, 14 August 2020, sleepfoundation.org/parasomnias/sleepwalking
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