Not sure why you�re so tired today? You might have taken a stroll at 3 a.m. Stanford researchers have found sleepwalking is more common than previously believed.
Almost one-third of Americans report walking in their sleep at some point in their lives, and 3.6 percent have done so in the past year. About 1 percent take a nighttime saunter two or more times per month, according to the findings published this week in the journal Neurology. (Do you work out less often than that? Get fit today! Shred your excuses with these 15-Minute Abs, Arms, and Chest Workouts.)
That�s more somnambulism (the technical term) than doctors thought. However, that percentage might be still too low, since sleepwalkers have no memory of the event, points out study author Maurice Ohayon, M.D., D.Sc., Ph.D. Which made us wonder�if no one catches you, how do you know you�re a sleepwalker?
The clues may be in your kitchen or living room, Dr. Ohayon says. If you frequently notice things in your house aren�t exactly as you left them�who put the chips in the freezer, anyway?�you may be moving them around during the night. You�re kind of a klutz when you�re unconscious, so some of your stuff may even be smashed. One patient told Dr. Ohayon that at first she suspected an intruder was rifling through her possessions at night; �Finally she said, �This is happening so often, I think it�s me!��
Sleepwalking isn�t harmful by itself. But it can lead to accidents, especially in unfamiliar environments where you have no mental map to guide you, Dr. Ohayon says. If you have a history of wandering, avoid hotel rooms with doors that open to the outside, especially near busy roadways. Consider skipping the nightcap after your business dinner because alcohol increases your risk of having an episode. And so does logging less than seven hours of sleep. (Get a better night�s rest by avoiding these 5 Sleep Mistakes).
If you spot a family member sleepwalking, don�t panic. Gently lead him or her back to bed, Dr. Ohayon recommends. It�s not dangerous to sleepwalkers to wake them up, but they might strike out at you in fear or confusion because they�ll be disoriented.
<<Print>>