Sleepwalking most commonly affects children and young adults, although it can occur in older adults as well.
Age and Sleepwalking
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Children: Sleepwalking is significantly more prevalent in children. This is largely due to the fact that they experience longer periods of deep, non-REM sleep (N3 sleep) than adults.
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Young Adults: Young adults also experience more sleepwalking compared to older adults, for similar reasons as children. They tend to have longer durations of N3 sleep.
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Older Adults: While less common, sleepwalking can still occur in older adults. Its presence in this age group could be related to underlying medical conditions or medications.
Genetic Predisposition
Sleepwalking often runs in families, suggesting a genetic component to the disorder. If one or both parents have a history of sleepwalking, their children are more likely to experience it.
Factors that May Trigger Sleepwalking
While age and genetics play a significant role, certain factors can trigger episodes of sleepwalking:
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Sleep Deprivation: Not getting enough sleep can increase the likelihood of sleepwalking.
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Stress: Stressful events or periods of heightened anxiety can trigger episodes.
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Fever: Especially in children, a fever can sometimes lead to sleepwalking.
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Certain Medications: Some medications can have sleepwalking as a side effect.
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Underlying Medical Conditions: In rare cases, sleepwalking may be related to an underlying medical condition such as restless legs syndrome, obstructive sleep apnea, or seizures.
In summary, while sleepwalking can affect individuals of all ages, it is most prevalent in children and young adults due to the greater amount of deep, non-REM sleep they experience. Genetic factors and certain triggers can also increase the likelihood of sleepwalking episodes.
