Sleepwalking in the Elderly: Symptoms, Dangers and Prevention

Night-time autopilot mode

Sleepwalking is classified as a disorder that occurs when someone walks or performs certain activities even though they’re asleep. It’s commonly associated with children, but any age group may experience it, including seniors. Each night, our body goes through several sleep cycles divided into two categories:

Non-REM sleep (NREM)

• Stage 1 (N1 – Light sleep): Brain activity, heartbeat, eye movement, and breathing begin to slow down, but your body is not relaxed yet. Brief muscle movements may accompany it, and the whole cycle lasts between one and seven minutes.
• Stage 2 (N2): There’s a drop in body temperature, muscles relax, and your pulse and breathing slow. With reduced brain activity and no eye movement, this stage lasts 10 to 25 minutes and becomes longer with each cycle.
• Stage 3 (N3 – Deep sleep): Your breathing, heartbeat, and muscles relax further while the body repairs itself and boosts the immune system. This stage lasts 20 to 40 minutes and is when sleepwalking may occur.

Rapid eye movement (REM)

• Stage 4: Breathing and heart rate increase, and your brain activity resembles wakefulness. It’s characterized by quick eye movements and is when vivid dreaming and nightmares happen. It may last from ten minutes to one hour, getting longer with each cycle.

Main reasons for sleepwalking

Sleepwalking episodes usually come and go, but if experienced regularly, you should visit a doctor or sleep lab for professional help. Several reasons can cause somnambulism, such as:

• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Lack of sleep
• Alcohol or drug use (including medications)
• Fever
• Infections
• Sleep apnea
• Dementia
• Parkinson’s
• Gastroesophageal reflux
• Obsessive-compulsive disorders
• Genetics

There are several signs indicating that someone is currently in sleepwalking mode. Roaming the house in total silence and bumping into things usually gives it away, but there are more subtle hints. Contrary to popular belief, sleepwalkers might answer your questions but reply with unrelated or incoherent words.

Violent outbursts or fits of panic might also happen. Interestingly, a sleepwalker can perform complex actions, such as building and eating a sandwich or rearranging the furniture. In extreme cases, they may even get in the car and drive away.

Learn to recognize a sleepwalker

It’s a common myth that a sleepwalker shouldn’t be woken; although they may be confused and disoriented, it’s better than letting them hurt themselves. In most cases, somnambulism doesn’t require a specific treatment. However, seniors suffering from it are especially prone to accidents.

It may be a good idea to invest in some protection, such as bed alarms like motion detectors, pressure pads, or pull cords. However, medical alert pendants and watches are portable, and some even come with GPS for tracking wandering sleepers. Many include fall detection and provide more comprehensive access to immediate help through 24/7 monitoring services, providing significant relief for everyone involved.

How to prevent sleepwalking

There’s currently no magical antidote to prevent somnambulism, but there are ways to reduce it:

• Keep a consistent bedtime routine.
• Ensure your bedroom is quiet or, as an alternative, wear noise-canceling earplugs.
• Eliminate alcohol and caffeine consumption at night.
• Practice stress-reducing techniques (meditation, yoga, or any activity that relaxes you).
• Ensure that any additional disorders like sleep apnea or sleep terrors are treated.
• Keep your body and brain healthy by enrolling in active aging opportunities like senior fitness classes, walking groups, and craft classes.

Should I worry about sleepwalking?

Sleepwalking is rarely associated with serious conditions, and there’s usually nothing to worry about, especially if it’s only occasional. However, if you notice a recurring abnormal sleeping pattern or have been sleepwalking more than twice a week, we recommend you consult a doctor.

It’s important to be aware that other sleep disorders, such as night terrors, sometimes accompany sleepwalking and may require medication or other treatment. Remember, always be vigilant about your sleepwalking episodes to minimize the risk of injury to yourself or others.