Majority Of Sleepwalkers Don't Feel Pain When Experiencing 'Violent' Night Walks | HuffPost Life

Most Sleepwalkers Don't Feel Pain During Their Nighttime Expeditions

Natasha Hinde— The Huffington Post UK

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.

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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.

"Symptoms of sleepwalking disorder range from simply sitting up in bed and looking around, to walking around the room or house, to leaving the house and even driving long distances," reads the site.

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

Sleep On Your Side (01 of17)

Most of us don't stay in one position during the night, but it turns out (according to several sleep surveys), most people prefer sleeping on their sides. If you're pregnant, doctors recommend sleeping on your left side, to "improve circulation to the heart, which benefits both mom and baby," according to Greatist. (credit:Karen Moskowitz via Getty Images)

Get Comfy (02 of17)

Getting a good night's sleep is also about being comfortable from head to toe. While some prefer sleeping in the nude (do your thing), a recent survey by mattress company Dormeo Canada found that 85 per cent of survey respondents prefer sleeping in cotton. (credit:Issaurinko via Getty Images)

Turn Off Your Electronics (03 of17)

Glowing screens on your cell phone, televisions or computers can interfere with the body’s ability to wind down. Before you get ready for bed, turn it off! (credit:Rolf Brenner via Getty Images)

Watch Your Cup(04 of17)

For some, caffeine consumption after lunch can keep them up during the night. Avoid drinking coffee, sugary drinks, chocolate milk, certain teas, and some vitamin drinks before bed and stick to water, herbal tea and other decaffeinated drinks. (credit:Nick Clements via Getty Images)

Leave The Curtains Open(05 of17)

This may not be ideal for those early winter mornings during weekdays, but in general, sleep with your shades open to get that early exposure to sun — at least you will be forced to open your eyes. (credit:Bambu Productions via Getty Images)

Get Your H2O Throughout The Day (06 of17)

Drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration closer to bedtime. For some, dehydration may lead to headaches or body aches, which ultimately disturbs your sleep. (credit:PM Images via Getty Images)

Stick To A Bedtime Routine (07 of17)

There's a reason doctors will tell you to stick to a sleep schedule: sleeping around the same time every day will keep your body's circadian rhythm in sync. Staying out late, for example, can confuse your body's circadian rhythm. (credit:yipchoonwai via Getty Images)

Exercise! (08 of17)

Exercise has many benefits for our well-being, but some studies suggest you can sleep around 45 minutes more every night if you squeeze a physical activity in your day. (credit:Michael Blann via Getty Images)

Don't Take Naps(09 of17)

This may be a heart-breaker, but if you want to keep your sleep schedule in routine, avoid taking naps at random times during the day — unless of course, you really, really, need it. (credit:ONOKY - Eric Audras via Getty Images)

Have A Daily Habit Before Bed(10 of17)

Whatever it is — reading, meditating, writing, praying or taking a bath — keeping a daily habit of repetition can cue your body that it's time for bed. A National Sleep Foundation poll indicates that reading as a part of the bedtime routine is associated with falling asleep faster and sleeping better. (credit:Peter Dressel via Getty Images)

Take A Cold Shower (11 of17)

Before heading to bed, have a cool bath or shower to help lower your body temperature. Dormeo's surveys suggested 32 per cent of Canadians found overheating their biggest bedtime frustration. And if you're the kind of person who is always cold, you may benefit from a hot shower instead. (credit:by Dornveek Markkstyrn via Getty Images)

Think Cotton (12 of17)

Just like your PJs, treat yourself to natural cotton fibre sheets. As you sweat at night, natural fibre sheets breathe and absorb moisture. (credit:Tetra Images via Getty Images)

Don't Include Your Phone In Your Sleeping Routine (13 of17)

It may be tempting to check your email before bed and right when you wake up, but avoid distractions by putting your phone away right before bed. Those emails aren't going anywhere. (credit:Shioguchi via Getty Images)

Bed Hygiene Is Also Important (14 of17)

Just like your sheets and blankets, make sure your mattress is clean by using a washable cover. This will keep your mattress free from dust mites and other allergens. (credit:Karam Miri via Getty Images)

Try To Sleep Earlier (15 of17)

If you're starting a new job or if the kids are going to back school, adjust your sleeping patterns by getting to bed earlier. And start with baby steps: try to get to sleep 15 minutes earlier before you attempt an hour. (credit:Quiet Noise Creative via Getty Images)

Don't Bring Work To Bed (16 of17)

As annoying as it is waking up in a pool of your own drool on your keyboard, falling asleep while working — or sleeping late because of it — can really put a dent in your healthy sleeping routine. Leave work off the bed! (credit:Sam Diephuis via Getty Images)

Take Notes(17 of17)

Keep a notebook beside your bed and write down your "to-do" list before bedtime. This will prevent you from worrying about your list as you sleep, and you'll also have a list to work with as soon as you wake up. (credit:Tetra Images via Getty Images)

[H/T Refinery 29]

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