Can hypnosis stop sleepwalking (somnambulism)?
Hypnosis is sometimes considered as a potential treatment for sleepwalking (somnambulism), but its effectiveness can vary from person to person. Sleepwalking is a sleep disorder that involves getting up and walking around while still asleep. It usually occurs during the deeper stages of non-REM sleep, have a look at our sleep science page.
Hypnosis, when conducted by a trained and qualified hypnotherapist, might be used to address the underlying causes of sleepwalking.
Identifying Triggers: Hypnotherapy might help uncover any emotional or psychological triggers that contribute to sleepwalking. This could involve exploring past experiences, emotions, or stressors that might be linked to the behaviour.
Suggestion Therapy: During a hypnotic session, the therapist could provide suggestions to the subconscious mind that help reduce the frequency or severity of sleepwalking episodes. These suggestions could include commands to remain in bed, sleep peacefully, or wake up if the person starts to walk.
Stress and Anxiety Reduction: Since stress and anxiety can exacerbate sleepwalking, hypnosis could be used to help manage these factors. Hypnotherapy can help individuals learn relaxation techniques and coping strategies, which might indirectly reduce the occurrence of sleepwalking.
Reframing Beliefs: Hypnosis can be used to reshape a person’s beliefs about sleepwalking. By altering negative thoughts or misconceptions, individuals might experience a reduction in their sleepwalking episodes.
What are the causes of sleepwalking?
The exact causes of sleepwalking are not fully understood, but there are several factors that can contribute to its occurrence:
Genetics: Sleepwalking tends to run in families, suggesting a genetic component. If a close family member has a history of sleepwalking, you might be at a higher risk of experiencing it yourself.
Age: Sleepwalking is most common in children, particularly between the ages of 4 and 8. It often tends to decrease as children enter adolescence and adulthood. However, some individuals continue to experience sleepwalking episodes throughout their lives.
Sleep Deprivation: Lack of sufficient sleep or poor sleep quality can increase the likelihood of sleepwalking. Disruptions in the sleep cycle, such as not getting enough deep sleep, can trigger sleepwalking episodes.
Stress and Anxiety: Emotional stress, anxiety, and other psychological factors can contribute to sleepwalking. Stressors such as major life changes, trauma, or significant events might trigger sleepwalking in susceptible individuals.
Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions and disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), have been linked to sleepwalking. These conditions can disrupt sleep patterns and increase the likelihood of sleepwalking episodes.
Medications and Substances: Some medications, especially those that affect the central nervous system, can increase the risk of sleepwalking. Alcohol and recreational drugs can also trigger sleepwalking or make it worse.
Fever or Illness: Sleepwalking can be more common during periods of illness, particularly when there’s a fever. This is often seen in children.
Sleep Environment: Changes in sleep environment, such as sleeping in a new or unfamiliar place, can trigger sleepwalking in some individuals.
Other Sleep Disorders: Sleepwalking can be associated with other sleep disorders, such as night terrors and sleep-related eating disorder.
Is sleepwalking a sign of mental illness?
Sleepwalking itself is not typically considered a sign of mental illness in the same way that conditions like depression, anxiety, or schizophrenia are. Sleepwalking is a sleep disorder that occurs during the non-REM (rapid eye movement) stages of sleep and is generally considered to be a parasomnia—a category of sleep disorders that involve abnormal behaviours, movements, or experiences during sleep.
However, there can be connections between sleepwalking and certain mental health conditions or psychological factors:
- Stress and Anxiety
- Psychiatric Disorders
- Childhood Development
- Medication Side Effects
Why shouldn't you wake a sleepwalker?
There are valid reasons to be cautious when attempting to wake someone who is sleepwalking.
When someone is sleepwalking, they are in a state of partial arousal from deep sleep. If you suddenly wake them up, they might be extremely disoriented and confused. They may not recognise you or understand their surroundings, which can lead to anxiety or even a fight-or-flight response.
Also, sleepwalkers are often not fully aware of their actions, and their coordination and cognitive abilities might be impaired while in this state. If you wake them suddenly, they might be startled and could potentially injure themselves or you.
Finally, bear in mind that sleepwalkers are already experiencing disturbances in their sleep cycle. Waking them up can further disrupt their sleep, leading to grogginess and daytime fatigue.
If you encounter someone who is sleepwalking, it’s generally recommended to take the following steps:
Gently Guide them and speak calmly with a soothing voice.
Make sure the sleepwalker’s surroundings are safe to prevent any potential accidents. Remove any obstacles or hazards from their path.
If you’re assisting a sleepwalker, remain calm and patient. Remember that they are not fully conscious and might not respond to you in a typical way.
