Elia asks the neurologist and researcher at the Paris Brain Institute, Ana Gales, if we can walk while sleeping, as we sometimes see in movies and cartoons. The researcher explains what somnambulism is, what happens in the brain and why it affects many children.
Somnambulism: How can you walk while sleeping?
Contrary to what one might think, the brain does not shut down completely when we sleep. Its activity changes with the night and not all its regions operate in exactly the same way at the same time.
To explain what happens during somnambulism, Ana Gales proposes to imagine the brain as a big house. As you fall asleep, the lights are gradually dimmed in the different rooms. But during the night, some may re-ignite while others remain in darkness.
This is somewhat what happens during a sleepwalking episode: some areas of the brain remain in deep sleep while others experience a partial awakening. The movement control areas can then activate, allowing the person to sit in bed, stand up, talk or even walk.
So somnambulism is not necessarily like cartoon scenes. Contrary to the usual representations, sleepwalkers do not systematically walk with their arms outstretched in front of them.
Can we talk while sleeping without being aware of it?
Yes, a person can talk during a sleepwalking episode. However, his words are often disjointed or difficult to understand. They may also move without being fully aware of their actions.
This is because the brain regions that allow you to be fully aware of what you are doing are still asleep. Some functions are therefore active, while others are not fully awake.
These episodes raise the question of whether the person remembers what he or she did or said during the night. For some phenomena associated with deep sleep, the person may have no recollection of the episode upon waking. She is not necessarily aware that she got up, spoke or moved around during her sleep.
Is somnambulism common among children?
Sleepwalking is relatively common among children. It can also affect adults, but episodes often disappear with age.
The brain evolves throughout development. As he grows older, he gradually learns to organize his functioning better, especially during sleep. This is one reason why the somnambulism observed in childhood often disappears over time.
However, it is still important to take precautions when a person rises and moves when he or she is not fully aware of his or her movements.
How to deal with a sleepy person?
The main reflex is to ensure your safety. During an episode, a sleepwalking person may stumble, fall down stairs, or injure themselves while moving without being fully aware of their surroundings.
If this happens to a child sleeping at home, it is best to warn their parents or gently escort them to bed, while avoiding dangerous situations.
It is also essential not to make fun of the person. Sleepwalking is a phenomenon related to sleep functioning, not a voluntary behaviour.
Night Terrors: What Other Events Can Occur During Sleep?
Sleepwalking belongs to a family of sleep disorders called parasomnias. These are unusual behaviours or experiences that occur during sleep or during transitions from sleep to wakefulness.
Night terrors are part of this and are also common in children. During an episode, a child may start screaming, crying or appear extremely frightened in the middle of the night. The scene can be overwhelming for parents, who may feel that their child is having a particularly intense nightmare.
Yet, according to Ana Gales, these manifestations do not necessarily mean that the child is suffering. Part of his brain remains in deep sleep during the episode. When they wake up, they usually have no recollection of what happened.
Night terrors and sleepwalking illustrate the complexity of sleep: even when we are asleep, our brain continues to function, and some functions may occur while others remain asleep.
How can we promote quality sleep?
It is not always possible to prevent somnambulism or other parasomnias. However, a few habits can help the brain function better at night.
In particular, Ana Gales stresses the importance of getting enough sleep and maintaining regular sleep schedules. These habits help maintain an appropriate sleep pattern.
Sleep, therefore, is not a simple time when the brain stops functioning. It is a complex state, in which its activity evolves and different regions are not necessarily synchronised in the same way.
Understanding phenomena such as somnambulism allows us to better understand how the brain works during the night. And to promote a good night’s sleep, one principle remains essential: to give your brain enough rest, with regular schedules.