Understanding and dealing with sleepwalking: advice from Bart Bosmans.
It's a crazy idea that you or your housemate are unconsciously wandering around the house in the middle of the night. Yet it happens more often than you think. *Research shows that about 15% of children have sleepwalked at least once in their lives. In adults, this is said to be 1 to 4% of the population. In children up to the age of 12, sleepwalking is not a problem, but in adults it is often the result of stress or lack of sleep.
Fortunately, in most cases it is possible to change this. In this blog, Bart Bosmans, CEO of Bosmans slaapcomfort, discusses the causes and solutions for sleepwalking.
Why do people sleepwalk?
The scientific term for sleepwalking is somnambulism. It falls under the paso-omnias: a group of sleep disorders characterized by unusual behaviors or experiences during sleep, such as moving, talking or walking while partially asleep. Sleepwalking occurs during the deep non-REM sleep that takes place during the first part of your night's sleep. Although it is generally more common in children, adults can also experience it. "The exact cause of sleepwalking is difficult to determine, there are many possibilities. Lack of sleep, fever, medication, alcohol, genetics and stress are the most common triggers," says Bart Bosmans.
What can you do about sleepwalking?
"If fever, medication, and genetics are the cause of sleepwalking, it's harder to solve. These are things that you really can't control," says Bart. "If you suffer from sleepwalking due to stress, you may be able to easily change this by optimizing your sleeping environment," he adds. Bart gives tips for a better sleeping environment:
1 - Choose a mattress that really supports you.
Interrupted deep sleep is a direct cause of sleepwalking. A squeaky bed or a hard, uncomfortable mattress prevents you from resting undisturbed. "Do you have a different preference than your partner? Then choose two separate mattress halves that can be adjusted to everyone's wishes," says Bart. In some cases, it is possible to combine two different halves in one mattress.
Materials that feel soft and make minimal noise contribute to a sense of safety. "We often have chaotic days or traffic situations that unconsciously cause us a lot of stress. That is precisely why it is extra important to really seek peace at night," says Bart.
2 - Choose natural materials.
Soft materials deserve extra attention. Our range includes natural fabrics such as wool, cotton and horsehair. They ensure a pleasant sleeping climate, but also the correct temperature. This is important, because temperature changes also affect your sleep quality and increase the risk of sleepwalking. "You probably know it, when you can't fall asleep because it's too hot, or too cold. With the right temperature regulation, you will have less trouble with this", says Bart. "Discover our wide range of natural sleeping in our Showroom
Small adjustments make a big difference.
If you don't need a new mattress or your current mattress is still fine, there are two simple adjustments you can make to improve your sleeping environment.
1- Wear comfortable nightwear
It seems obvious, but many people do not think about it. Without you noticing it, your nightwear can have an effect on your comfort while you sleep. At Bosmans Slaapcomfort we have an extensive range of nightwear from brands such as Schiesser , Marc O' Polo , Woody and Snurk. Visit our showroom in Heist op den Berg or discover the full range online and experience for yourself the difference that the right nightwear can make.
2 - Choose the right duvet cover.
A good mattress and comfortable nightwear are important, but your duvet cover also plays a major role in your sleeping comfort. After all, it is the first thing that touches your skin when you get into bed. According to sleep expert Bart Bosmans, soft, breathable materials not only provide a pleasant feeling, but also help regulate the temperature, which of course directly contributes to a deep, relaxed sleep. At Bosmans Slaapcomfort you will find an extensive range of bed linen, both in our showroom and in our online shop.
Come by for advice.
Do you have questions about your mattress, your duvet or your sleeping habits? Or do you just want to take a look in peace and quiet at which sleeping solutions suit your situation? In our showroom in Heist op den Berg we are ready with personal and substantiated advice. "Often it is small adjustments that make a big difference in sleep quality", says Bart. "And a quiet environment where you can try everything out helps you with that."
We like to take the time to find what really works for you. Make an appointment today and discover how we can improve your night's sleep.
*Sources: UZ Leuven, gezondheid.be
