Why do people sleepwalk? Here's how to prevent it

Sleepwalking is a disease that many people experience in their lives. This phenomenon occurs more frequently under high pressure. So, why do people sleepwalk?

Why do people sleepwalk?

Research shows that sleepwalking is mainly the result of the activity of the cerebral cortex. The activity of the brain includes two processes: "excitement" and "inhibition". Normally, when a person is sleeping, the cells of the cerebral cortex are in an inhibited state. If one or more groups of nerve cells that control movement are still in an excited state, sleepwalking will occur. The range of sleepwalking activities is often the environment that the sleepwalker is most familiar with and the actions that he often repeats.

Sleepwalking does not occur in dreams, but in the deep sleep stage of the 3rd to 4th stage of sleep, which is concentrated in the first half of the night. Therefore, sleepwalking usually occurs in the first 2-3 hours after falling asleep. Sleepwalking often occurs in childhood (6 to 12 years old), and can occur at any stage of childhood, but is more common between 5 and 7 years old, lasting for several years, and usually disappears on its own after entering puberty. In childhood, the proportion of occasional sleepwalking is 15%, and the frequent occurrence rate is 1% to 6%. It is more common in boys than in girls. The high incidence of sleepwalking within the same family shows that sleepwalking is somewhat hereditary. Night terror attacks often occur within half an hour after falling asleep, and no later than 2 hours.

Ways to prevent sleepwalking:

1. Arrange your work and rest schedule properly

Develop good sleeping habits and daily routines, avoid excessive fatigue and high tension, pay attention to going to bed and getting up early, exercise, and adjust the sleep rhythm to the best state.

2. Pay attention to the control of the sleeping environment

Close doors and windows before going to bed, and keep away all dangerous items to avoid getting lost during a sleepwalking attack or causing harm to yourself or others.