May 13, 2025
Sleepwalking has fascinated—and frightened—people for centuries. With its eerie movements and disconnected state of consciousness, it’s no surprise that sleepwalking has become the subject of folklore, pop culture misrepresentations, and countless myths. But what’s real, and what’s fiction?
In this myth-busting guide, we unravel the most common misconceptions about sleepwalking, using expert opinions and science-backed facts to bring clarity. Whether you’re dealing with a sleepwalker in your family or simply curious about the phenomenon, it’s time to separate truth from tall tales.
What people believe: Many assume that sleepwalking is a childhood phase that people simply “grow out of.”
The truth: While sleepwalking is more common in children—affecting up to 17% of kids, according to the Sleep Foundation—it is not exclusive to them. Adults can and do sleepwalk, especially those dealing with sleep deprivation, stress, or certain medications. Studies show that about 4% of adults regularly experience episodes of sleepwalking.
In fact, adult sleepwalking is often underreported because people are embarrassed, unaware it’s happening, or mistakenly believe it’s abnormal. The American Psychiatric Association notes that sleepwalking isn’t labeled a disorder unless it causes significant impairment or risk.
What people believe: A popular misconception is that sleepwalking is just a person physically acting out what they’re dreaming.
The truth: This is biologically impossible. Sleepwalking occurs during non-REM (NREM) sleep—typically in the deep stages, also known as slow-wave sleep—when dreaming is extremely unlikely.
Dream enactment occurs during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep and is linked to a completely different condition: REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD). Unlike sleepwalking, RBD often involves vivid, violent actions and is most common in older adults.
So, while both involve movement during sleep, the mechanisms and timing in the sleep cycle are completely different.
What people believe: Many are told that waking a sleepwalker is dangerous and might give them a heart attack or cause long-term damage.
The truth: While waking a sleepwalker can be disorienting and may startle them, it’s not harmful. In fact, it might sometimes be the safer choice—especially if the sleepwalker is approaching stairs, a stove, or a front door.
Experts at Healthline.com emphasize that the main risk isn’t waking a sleepwalker but what they might do while in an unconscious state. The recommended approach is to gently guide them back to bed, but if necessary, waking them to prevent harm is not dangerous.
What people believe: In various cultures and horror films, sleepwalking has been linked to ghosts, spirits, or even demonic possession.
The truth: There is zero scientific evidence to support any supernatural explanation for sleepwalking. It is a well-documented medical phenomenon involving disruptions in the brain’s sleep cycle, not a paranormal event.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, sleepwalking is classified as a type of parasomnia—a group of sleep disorders that includes night terrors and sleep talking. It is rooted in neurological activity, not external forces. Brain imaging during sleepwalking episodes shows that the brain is in a mixed state: part awake, part asleep.
What people believe: Because sleepwalking is associated with being unconscious, many assume the sleepwalker’s eyes are closed.
The truth: Most sleepwalkers have their eyes open and often appear as if they are awake. This is one reason sleepwalking can be so unnerving—the individual may respond to simple cues or navigate their environment, but they are not conscious in the way we normally understand it.
Their gaze may be glassy or unfocused, and they may mumble or show confusion. However, their brain is not processing information the same way it does when fully awake.
What people believe: Because sleepwalking seems so abnormal, some think it must signal an underlying psychiatric issue.
The truth: Sleepwalking on its own is not a mental illness. It can occur in healthy individuals, especially those under stress or with disrupted sleep schedules. That said, chronic or severe sleepwalking may be linked to sleep disorders, PTSD, or in rare cases, psychiatric conditions—but it is not a symptom of mental illness by default.
As the American Psychiatric Association clarifies, sleepwalking is only considered clinically significant when it impairs functioning or leads to safety risks.
What people believe: Some believe that once diagnosed, sleepwalking can be treated quickly with a pill or prescription.
The truth: While there are medications that can help manage sleepwalking, such as benzodiazepines or antidepressants in certain cases, treatment isn’t always necessary—and it’s rarely immediate.
Management often involves improving sleep hygiene, addressing triggers like stress or alcohol use, and ensuring a safe sleep environment. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and scheduled awakenings (waking the person just before their usual episode time) can also reduce episodes over time.
What people believe: There’s a belief that sleepwalking only involves simple activities like walking or mumbling.
The truth: While most episodes are brief and involve basic movements, there are documented cases of sleepwalkers cooking meals, driving cars, or even engaging in conversations—all while not fully awake.
These cases are rare and usually occur in people with severe parasomnia. They also raise serious concerns about safety and often lead to medical intervention.
Sleepwalking may be mysterious, but it’s not magical. When myths go unchecked, they can lead to fear, stigma, and even unsafe handling of sleepwalking episodes. By turning to trusted sources—like the American Psychiatric Association, Healthline, and the Sleep Foundation—we can better understand what sleepwalking is and how to respond to it effectively.
If you or someone in your household experiences sleepwalking, don’t panic. Consult with a sleep specialist, focus on good sleep hygiene, and ensure a safe environment. Knowing the facts is the first step toward peace of mind—and better rest for everyone involved.
Sources:
“Health is a state of complete harmony of the body, mind and spirit. When one is free from physical disabilities and mental distractions, the gates of the soul open.” – B.K.S. Iyengar
Each recommendation is grounded in evidence, ensuring you have reliable guidance to reduce the likelihood of sleepwalking episodes.
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