Have you ever woken up in a different room, or even outside, without any memory of how you got there? Sleepwalking can be a baffling and often an eerie experience. There is a 42% chance that it could be due to a Childhood Trauma says a study.
What could be the possible reasons that connect Sleepwalking to your childhood experiences? Let’s find out in the article below!
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What exactly is Sleepwalking?
Sleepwalking, also known as somnambulism sɒmˈnambjʊlɪz(ə)m, is a behavioral disorder that originates during deep sleep. It results in walking or performing any other complex behaviors or habits while asleep. It’s more common than you might think, affecting up to 4% of adults. But here’s the kicker: many of these adults have a history of childhood trauma.
5 Reasons Why Sleepwalking Maybe Connected To a Childhood Trauma
Due to Unresolved Emotional Stress
Childhood trauma can leave lasting scars on our psyche. When children experience trauma, they often suppress these painful memories and emotions. Over time, these unresolved issues can manifest in various ways, including sleep walking. The mind, still processing these emotions, might trigger sleepwalking episodes as a form of release.
Caused by High Anxiety and Hypervigilance
Children who have endured trauma often grow up to be more anxious and hypervigilant. This heightened state of alertness doesn’t just turn off when we go to sleep. Instead, it can lead to disturbances in our sleep patterns, including sleep walking. The brain remains in a semi-awake state, causing the body to act out.
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Due to Disrupted Sleep Cycles
Childhood Trauma can significantly impact sleep quality. Nightmares, insomnia, and fragmented sleep are common among those with a history of trauma. This disruption in sleep cycles can trigger sleepwalking. The brain, struggling to reach deep, restorative sleep, might instead enter a state where sleep walking becomes more likely.
Due to Coping Mechanisms
Sleep walking can sometimes be a coping mechanism. For some, it might be a way to ‘escape’ the trauma that haunts their waking hours. The subconscious mind takes over, and the body follows, walking away from the fears and anxieties that plague them.
Caused by Genetic Predisposition
Interestingly, there might also be a genetic component. Studies suggest that children with a family history of sleep walking are more likely to experience it themselves, especially if they have also undergone trauma. The combination of genetic predisposition and trauma can be a potent trigger for sleepwalking.
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Check out these resources for more information on sleepwalking:
Sleep Foundation on Sleepwalking
American Psychological Association: Understanding Trauma
Sleep walking is a fascinating yet complex phenomenon. The link between sleep walking and childhood trauma opens up a whole new realm of understanding about how our past affects our present.
If you or someone you know struggles with sleep walking, consider exploring the possibility of underlying trauma. Understanding the root cause is the first step toward finding a solution.
What are your thoughts on this connection? Have you or someone you know experienced sleepwalking? Please share your stories in the comments and let you know what you have experienced!
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