Never wake a sleepwalker
A common myth surrounding this disorder is that one should never wake a sleepwalker while they are engaged in the activity. In truth, there is no implicit danger in waking a sleepwalker, though the subject may be disoriented or embarrassed when awakened.
Any second opinion on that?
- I added that. I found it on a sleep disorder web site, which looked pretty authoratative (it's probably at one of the external links). If you found conflicting evidence, we can discuss it. Next time, sign your post. You can do this with 3 or 4 tildes (~~~ or ~~~~). Peace. :-) — Frecklefoot | Talk 17:00, Jul 24, 2004 (UTC)
Personal Experience
From time to time, I've gotten up out of bed and got to the door of my room - usually I thought that I needed to leave and go elsewhere. My eyes were open at the time. Usually I'd get as far as the door to my room, then wake up the rest of the way long enough to go back to sleep. It only happens occasionaly. I can go a few years, have this happen a couple times, then go a long time again with it not happening. Would that qualify as sleepwalking?
JesseG 04:36, Aug 31, 2004 (UTC)
- I am not a doctor, but it sounds like it to me. — Frecklefoot | Talk 13:34, Aug 31, 2004 (UTC)
Half-sleep
I'm not sure if this belongs here, fix if necessary. I have experienced a sort of half-sleep on many occasions over the last 10 years or so. I remain aware during this state. My body movement is locked down, presumably because of a part of the brain that evolved to stop our ancestors and other animals becoming easy food when sleepwalking.
I remember reading of an experiment where researches destroyed that particular part of a cat's brain (cruel bastards), and when the cat went to sleep and entered REM, it moved around, 'chasing imaginary prey'. Anyway, I find in that state I am able to retain some degree of control. I have been able to open my eyes and look around, and can make limited movements of limbs. When I enter that state, I can hear odd sounds, either rapid high pitched pulsing, or, as happened a few days ago, ultra-rapid 'noise' (for lack of a better term). I can always wake up properly by concentrating. I am seriously not making this up. I would love to learn more about this. Is there a sleep doctor in the house?
DooMDrat 01:15, Dec 5, 2004 (AEST)