Sleepwalking and Memory: How It Can Affect Your Recall

Blog Post: Sleepwalking and Memory: How It Can Affect Your Recall

Sleepwalking, also known as somnambulism, is a parasomnia disorder in which a person performs complex movements and behaviors while asleep. This disorder can affect people of all ages, but it is most common in children. While sleepwalking itself may not be harmful, it can have a significant impact on a person’s memory and ability to recall events that occurred during the episode. In this blog post, we will explore the relationship between sleepwalking and memory and how it can affect your recall.

The Link Between Sleepwalking and Memory

To understand the impact of sleepwalking on memory, it is essential to understand how sleepwalking occurs. During sleep, our brain goes through different stages, including non-REM (rapid eye movement) and REM sleep. Non-REM sleep is divided into three stages, with the third stage being the deepest and most restorative stage of sleep.

Sleepwalking usually occurs during the third stage of non-REM sleep, also known as slow-wave sleep. During this stage, the brain is less active, and a person is in a deep sleep. However, in some cases, the brain may not fully shut down, causing a person to partially wake up and perform actions while still asleep. This state of partial arousal can lead to sleepwalking.

When a person is sleepwalking, their brain is not fully aware of their surroundings, making it challenging to create new memories. This is because the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory formation, is not fully active during this stage. As a result, people who sleepwalk may have difficulty recalling events that occurred during the episode.

Sleepwalking and Memory Recall

Studies have shown that sleepwalking can have a significant impact on a person’s ability to recall events that occurred during an episode. In a study conducted by the Stanford University School of Medicine, researchers found that people who sleepwalk have a lower ability to recall details of events that occurred during a sleepwalking episode compared to when they are fully awake.

The researchers also found that people who sleepwalk tend to have a fragmented memory of the events, making it challenging to create a coherent narrative. This is because the brain is not fully active during sleepwalking, and therefore, the memories are not consolidated correctly.

Additionally, the sleepwalker’s brain may be in a state of confusion, making it difficult to distinguish between reality and dreams. This can further affect their ability to recall events accurately.

Sleepwalking and Memory: How It Can Affect Your Recall

The Impact of Sleepwalking on Daily Life

While sleepwalking itself may not be harmful, the impact it can have on a person’s memory can be concerning. People who sleepwalk may have difficulty remembering important events or conversations that occurred during an episode. This can affect their relationships, work, and daily life.

For children, sleepwalking can be particularly challenging, as it can affect their academic performance. They may have difficulty recalling information learned during a sleepwalking episode, leading to poor grades and frustration.

Sleepwalking can also be dangerous, as people may engage in activities such as driving or cooking while still asleep. In such cases, they may have no memory of these actions, putting themselves and others at risk.

Managing Sleepwalking and Memory Recall

While there is no specific treatment for sleepwalking, there are ways to manage the disorder and improve memory recall. These include creating a safe sleeping environment, avoiding stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol before bedtime, and maintaining a regular sleep schedule.

For children, having a consistent bedtime routine and getting enough sleep can also help reduce the frequency of sleepwalking episodes.

In some cases, a doctor may prescribe medication to help regulate a person’s sleep cycles and reduce the likelihood of sleepwalking. Cognitive-behavioral therapy may also be beneficial in managing and reducing sleepwalking episodes.

Summary:

Sleepwalking is a parasomnia disorder in which a person performs complex movements and behaviors while asleep. It most commonly occurs in children and can have a significant impact on a person’s memory and ability to recall events that occurred during the episode. This is because the brain is not fully active during sleepwalking, making it challenging to create new memories. Sleepwalking can affect a person’s daily life and relationships. To manage the disorder and improve memory recall, creating a safe sleeping environment, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, and seeking medical treatment may be helpful.