What's Sleep Walking All About?

Posted on 7.22.22

Until just a few years ago, sleepwalking was considered a bizarre rarity--something like .4% of the population was thought affected--yet almost all of us have a sleepwalking relative or a good sleep walking story. In 2012 the first major study on the prevalence of sleepwalking was a wake-up call. The May 2012 issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, reported a study involving over 15,000 Americans 18 and older:

1. It seems that about 30% of us have had some experience of sleepwalking in our lifetimes. Often times these experiences happen when we are children. This seems to be related to the higher amount of REM sleep that children get relative to adults.

2. 2.6% of adults report regular sleepwalking (12 episodes or more per year).

3. Those who are depressed or diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and especially those taking medication for these conditions are three to four times more likely to sleepwalk.

We also know from research that those who are experiencing high levels of stress, short-term anxiety, or missed sleep are more likely to sleepwalk.

Although most sleepwalking is harmless--others try to drive cars, become confused and belligerent, or take long walks. If anything, sleepwalkers usually need to be protected from themselves. Contrary to belief, the best thing you can do is wake up a sleepwalker to stop the episode and let them work back into a deep sleep from the beginning.

The Mayo Clinic notes that there is no particular treatment for sleepwalking, but general improvements in "sleep hygiene" seem helpful. That means you guessed it, having a healthy routine and a comfortable mattress. We want to move through the stages of sleep without interruption. That means keeping tossing and turning, movement transfer, and perceived warmth to a minimum...which having the proper mattress can help with.

To get more quality sleep and keep up with your “sleep hygiene” we recommend a few options if you aren't getting the regular 7-8 hours of sleep.

Do You Suffer From The Following?

• Sleep Terrors

• Sleep Disorders

• Sleepwalking occurrences

• Sleep Apnea

• Sleep Deprived

• Falling Asleep Issues

• Random Sleep Cycles

If you suffer from any of these sleep issues we would recommend looking into investing in better quality sleep. Whether that may be through purchasing a new mattress or evaluating what you are doing during the day that could help you sleep better at night. It's important to find a bedtime routine. We know it sounds silly but our bodies are like clockwork. If you have a nightly routine before you sleep then your body will naturally release melatonin and signals that will slowly guide you to sleep. For some people, it might be grabbing a book to read before sleep and for others, it might be listening to some soothing music to get your mind and body ready for a restful night of sleep.

Other things you could try to do to help promote a healthier sleep cycle include avoiding drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, and consuming too much sugar and caffeine. Balance is key when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle so we recommend avoiding consuming too much of these things.

How To Sleep Better Throughout the Night

Buy a Mattress Topper

A mattress topper can add an extra layer of comfort and relieve any pressure points that you may have. When you add a mattress topper you'll notice the difference in your quality of sleep and if you have a partner that tosses and turns you won't feel them moving. There are different types of mattress toppers you can explore including memory foam mattress toppers, latex foam mattress toppers, and more.

Buy a Purple Pillow

If you are considered more of a side sleeper and you are looking for a better pillow to help you sleep then you should consider the Purple pillow. The Purple pillow works well for side sleepers because of its reliable shape and adjustable loft. In addition, the comfortable pillow is moldable and provides an extra layer of flexibility so you can achieve the perfect head and neck height.

Throughout the day we are either looking down at our phones or at a computer so having the most comfortable pillow when you sleep can make a world of difference for so many. You can stop buying a new pillow every 2-3 years when you actually invest in a good quality pillow like the Purple pillow.

Invest in a Better Mattress

The type of mattress you are looking for always differs and can vary drastically on the person. Some questions you'll have to ask yourself are am I a side sleeper, back sleeper, stomach sleeper, or does it not matter? Do I have back or neck pain when I sleep? Not only that, but if you are sleeping in the same bed as a sleepwalker then you both will have to accommodate each other's sleep patterns.

Mattress Brands to Choose From

At Bedzzz Express we carry top of the line mattress brands and affordable mattresses for any budget. We carry Tempur Pedic Bed, Beautyrest, Nectar, Sealy, Stearns & Foster, Purple, Cahaba Bedding Collection, and more. Whether you are looking for queen mattresses, king mattresses, twin mattresses, or other sizes we can get you the right one.

Don't worry, there are a few things you can do to determine which mattress size and brand is the best for sleepwalkers. Our sleep experts recommend you visit our mattress stores to get more information and test out the different mattresses in person. At Bedzzz Express we have many mattresses for sale that you can choose from. We are located in small cities such as Foley, Alabama, Oxford, Mississippi, Murfreesboro, Tennesse, and big cities such as Alabaster, Alabama Nashville, Tennessee Hunstville, Alabama, and more. Choose the closest Bedzzz Express mattress store near you to get more info today!