Sleepwalking, though relatively common, especially in children, is far from harmless. A recent incident in Mumbai saw a 19-year-old die after falling from his sixth-floor apartment while sleepwalking. This tragic event underscores the potential dangers of this seemingly innocuous ailment.
The incident took place on Sunday morning at the Aqua Gem Tower in Mazgaon, south Mumbai. Mustafa Ibrahim Chunawala was found unconscious on the third-floor podium, having fallen from the sixth floor. Despite immediate medical attention, he was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital. Police investigations confirmed that Chunawala suffered from somnambulism, or sleepwalking.
This isn’t an isolated case. Last year, a teenager from Kandivali died after sleepwalking and falling from a hotel balcony in Singapore. Similarly, in May 2022, a woman in Singapore fell to her death while sleepwalking from her 10th-floor apartment. These incidents highlight the potentially fatal consequences of sleepwalking.
Sleepwalking, or somnambulism, is a sleep disorder characterized by walking or performing other complex actions while asleep. It occurs during deep sleep and is often accompanied by a blank stare and lack of responsiveness. Individuals experiencing sleepwalking typically don’t remember the episode upon waking. While more common in children, sleepwalking can affect adults as well.
Several factors can contribute to sleepwalking, including genetics, sleep deprivation, fatigue, stress, underlying medical conditions, irregular sleep schedules, and brain disorders. Experts emphasize that inadequate sleep or poor sleep quality can significantly increase the risk of sleepwalking, potentially leading to mental health issues. Psychological pressures, such as challenging work schedules or personal upheavals, can also trigger sleepwalking episodes.
Sleepwalking poses serious risks. Research indicates that a significant percentage of adult sleepwalkers engage in aggressive behavior during their episodes, leading to harm to themselves or others. Sleepwalking can also be a symptom of underlying medical conditions, particularly when occurring frequently or alongside other sleep-related issues.
Experts suggest that recurrent sleepwalking, especially when accompanied by snoring, may indicate sleep apnea or a form of seizure related to Temporal Lobe Epilepsy. Sleepwalking can also be associated with mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD. Studies indicate that sleepwalkers often experience poor sleep quality, leading to increased fatigue and potentially impacting their mental health.
For individuals experiencing frequent sleepwalking episodes, consulting a doctor is crucial. This will help identify any underlying medical conditions contributing to the sleepwalking. Treatment plans may involve medication, alarm systems to alert individuals upon getting out of bed, and keeping sharp objects out of reach. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) can also be beneficial in managing anxiety that may trigger sleepwalking.
