Most sleepwalkers don't feel any pain during their nighttime wanders, according to science. And we're pretty freaked out about it.
A small study found that almost 80% of sleepwalkers didn't feel any pain from "violent episodes" while sleeping.
Case studies included a man who jumped out of a third storey window while he was asleep and broke several bones, as well as a man who fell off his roof and shattered his leg.
Both didn't experience any pain at the time, but did when they woke up the next day.
The study of 100 sleepwalkers in France found that almost half (47) had experienced violent episodes while asleep.
However nearly 80% said they didn't feel any pain until the next day, which enabled them to remain asleep despite being injured.
The study, which was published in the journal Sleep, also found that sleepwalkers were more likely to experience frequent headaches, migraines or chronic pain.
Additionally, they were more likely to experience tiredness during the day, as well as depression and insomnia, than those who don't sleepwalk.
SEE ALSO:
Potentially 'Addictive' Sleeping Tablets Available Online, Experts Warn
Are You Suffering From 'Winter Tiredness'? Here's How To Beat It
Sleepwalking is a behavioural disorder that originates during deep sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, it results in walking or performing other complex behaviours while asleep.
The disorder is more common in children than adults and is more likely to occur if a person is sleep deprived.
People who sleepwalk are typically quite difficult to wake up during an episode, as they are in a state of deep sleep.
However the National Sleep Foundation says that waking them up is the best course of action - despite common misconceptions that it's dangerous to do so.
How To Sleep Better In 2015
[H/T Refinery 29]