Sleepwalkers don't see the world as they do when awake. Although their eyes are open, their perception is altered.
Altered Perception in Sleepwalking
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Visual Input | Eyes are open, but processing is different from being awake. |
| Perception | They often think they're in different locations, such as other rooms in the house or even entirely different places. |
Factors Affecting Sleepwalking
- Disrupted Sleep: Sleepwalking can be associated with sleep disorders like sleep apnea (brief pauses in breathing during sleep).
- Brain Activity: The brain is in a mixed state, partly asleep and partly awake, which causes the altered perception and motor activity.
Examples of What a Sleepwalker Might Perceive
- A sleepwalker might believe they are in their childhood home when they're actually in their current bedroom.
- They might think they are at work when they are actually in their living room.
- They might perceive everyday objects as different things.
In summary, while sleepwalkers' eyes are open, they don't see their surroundings as they would while fully awake. Their perception is distorted, leading to the belief they are in different places.
