Although they are distinct disorders, narcolepsy and sleepwalking can coexist. Sleepwalking symptoms can occasionally be mistaken for automatic activities associated with narcolepsy.
Although they are distinct disorders, narcolepsy and sleepwalking can coexist. Sleepwalking symptoms can occasionally be mistaken for automatic activities associated with narcolepsy.
One kind of parasomnia is sleepwalking, sometimes referred to as somnambulism. A class of sleep disorders known as parasomnias is characterized by odd behaviors and experiences that take place during sleep. They may manifest as movements, vocalizations, dreams, or strong emotions that occur during the sleep cycle.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) categorizes sleepwalking as a “non-rapid eye movement sleep arousal disorder, sleep-walking type” of parasomnia because it takes place during your REM sleep.
Children are more likely than adults to sleepwalk. Although about 2-4% of adults suffer with sleepwalking, it is estimated that up to 15% of youngsters have at least one episode.
Narcolepsy and sleepwalking are not the same thing. A persistent sleep disorder is narcolepsy. It can be divided into two primary categories:
- Cataplexy and/or low hypocretin levels are symptoms of type 1 narcolepsy.
- Type 2 narcolepsy (no cataplexy and normal hypocretin levels)
Your hypothalamus produces a chemical called hypocretin, which aids in controlling your sleep cycles. Episodes of abrupt muscle weakness, frequently brought on by intense emotion, are referred to as cataplexy.
The brain struggles to control your sleep-wake cycle in narcolepsy, which results in fragmented sleep. In addition to causing excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), it can also result in cataplexy and sleep paralysis.
Type 1 narcolepsy is thought to affect 14 out of every 100,000 persons, while type 2 narcolepsy affects about 65 out of every 100,000 people.
Is sleepwalking common in narcolepsy?
Narcolepsy does not seem to be associated with a higher prevalence of sleepwalking.
For instance, a 2022 study discovered that sleepwalking is just as prevalent among narcoleptics as it is in the general population. This shows that the conditions might coincide by accident, according to the study’s authors.
When sleepwalking is mistaken for narcolepsy symptoms known as “automatic behaviors,” it may seem more common than it actually is. Almost as if they are operating on “autopilot,” these are continuous motions or behaviors that occur while a person falls asleep.
For instance, a person with their eyes closed or half asleep might still be moving or speaking.
Both sleepwalking and narcolepsy’s automatic activities can include a memory block, in which you are unable to recall what happened.
Do people who sleepwalk have narcolepsy?
Narcolepsy and sleepwalking are two different conditions. Although they can happen simultaneously, sleepwalking is not a sign of narcolepsy and does not occur in all narcoleptics.
Common underlying mechanisms and risk factors
It’s unclear what specifically causes sleepwalking. While other parts of the brain stay asleep, research indicates that variations in blood flow to the brain during sleep may activate areas related to movement and motor function.
This enables you to execute intricate actions without entering a state of consciousness.
Among the risk factors for sleepwalking are:
- age (children are more likely to have it)
- certain drugs for neurodegenerative illnesses
Furthermore, nothing is known about the precise causes of narcolepsy. Low levels of the brain chemical hypocretin, which encourages awake and controls REM sleep, are linked to type 1 narcolepsy.
Less is known about the origins of type 2 narcolepsy, however it is most likely the result of a complex interaction between immunological responses, environmental factors, and genetics.
Among the risk factors for narcolepsy are:
- living with an autoimmune disease, having a close family with narcolepsy, or suffering from a brain injury
How to manage co-occurrence
A multidisciplinary approach is necessary for the treatment of individuals who have both narcolepsy and sleepwalking.
The medical staff may consist of:
- sleep doctor
- neurologist
- behavioral sleep specialist
- primary care physician
Together, these specialists develop a thorough treatment strategy aimed at restoring sleep stability and minimizing the symptoms of both disorders.
Medication is frequently needed for narcolepsy in order to control daytime drowsiness and sleep cycles. To help you create healthy habits and manage your symptoms, a doctor could also suggest psychotherapy, sleep hygiene, and lifestyle modifications.
As of right now, the FDA has not approved any drugs to treat sleepwalking. Treatment focuses on enhancing sleep hygiene to improve the quality of sleep and taking safety measures to minimize unintended injury (e.g., securing windows and doors).
In a 2018 case study, a 44-year-old man with narcolepsy and sleepwalking reported that the narcolepsy drug sodium oxybate helped him with both symptoms. However, this drug is not a recommended treatment for sleepwalking.
Takeaway
Narcolepsy and sleepwalking are two distinct disorders that can be diagnosed independently. They can happen jointly, albeit they are uncommon. Sleepwalking can occasionally be confused with the automatic activities associated with narcolepsy.
A thorough treatment approach may include medication, psychotherapy, safety measures, and sleep hygiene techniques when narcolepsy and sleepwalking coexist.