Is It Sleepwalking? Memory and NREM Sleep Disorders

Is this sleepwalking?

In the past month, I have experienced two similar incidents where I woke up in the morning to find that my clothes were different from what I was wearing when I fell asleep.
It seems that I walked to the wardrobe to change.
(I wonder if this is related to the increased stress I've been experiencing lately.) However, unlike typical sleepwalking, I have a faint recollection of waking up during my sleep, and at that time, my clothes were damp with sweat.
Usually, in such situations, I would get up and change my clothes, and I would remember doing so.
In these two instances, though, I have no memory of walking to the wardrobe to change my clothes.

I would like to ask if this situation could be due to the hippocampus not being fully operational right after waking up, which might prevent the memory of changing clothes from being encoded into long-term memory.
Is this possibility valid considering the structure of the human brain? Or is it more likely that my situation is a typical case of NREM sleepwalking? Thank you for your patience in reading and responding, doctor.

Xiao Q, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/02/11

Dr. Peng Liyun reply Psychiatry

Dear Sir/Madam,
From your description, it is evident that the issue has caused you considerable concern.
The areas of the brain involved in memory formation are quite extensive and complex; it is not solely the hippocampus that is responsible, and this situation has not yet involved the formation of long-term memories.
However, a diagnosis of NREM sleepwalking requires further assessment of symptom characteristics, as well as the exclusion of conditions such as sleep deprivation, substance use, and physiological disorders.
I recommend that you seek a comprehensive professional evaluation at an outpatient clinic.
Wishing you peace and well-being,
Psychiatry for Children and Adolescents, Dr.
Li-Yun Peng

Reply Date: 2021/02/11

More Info

Your situation raises some intriguing questions about sleep behavior, memory, and the complexities of sleep disorders, particularly concerning sleepwalking and the nature of memory formation during sleep.
From your description, it seems that you experienced episodes where you woke up to find your clothes changed, without any recollection of having done so. This phenomenon can indeed be linked to sleepwalking, which is classified as a parasomnia—a disorder characterized by abnormal or unusual behavior during sleep. Sleepwalking typically occurs during the NREM (Non-Rapid Eye Movement) sleep phase, particularly in the deeper stages of sleep. During these episodes, individuals may perform complex behaviors, such as walking, talking, or even dressing, while remaining largely unaware of their actions.

The fact that you have a vague memory of waking up and feeling sweaty suggests that you might have been in a transitional state between sleep and wakefulness. This state can sometimes lead to fragmented memories, where the brain is not fully engaged in the process of memory consolidation. The hippocampus, a critical region for memory formation, may not be fully operational during these moments, which could explain why you have no clear recollection of changing your clothes.
In terms of the relationship between stress and your experiences, it’s well-documented that increased stress levels can disrupt sleep patterns and exacerbate sleep disorders. Stress can lead to heightened arousal during sleep, making it more likely for someone to experience disturbances such as sleepwalking or other parasomnias. If you have been under more stress lately, this could indeed play a role in the episodes you are experiencing.

While your situation may resemble typical sleepwalking, it’s essential to consider other factors that could contribute to your symptoms. For instance, sleep deprivation, irregular sleep schedules, and certain medications can also influence sleep quality and behavior. If you are experiencing significant stress or anxiety, it may be beneficial to explore relaxation techniques or cognitive-behavioral strategies to help manage these feelings, as they can have a profound impact on your sleep quality.

Given the complexity of sleep disorders and the potential for overlapping symptoms, it would be wise to consult a sleep specialist or a healthcare provider who can conduct a thorough evaluation. They may recommend a sleep study (polysomnography) to monitor your sleep patterns and behaviors more closely. This can provide valuable insights into whether you are experiencing sleepwalking or another sleep disorder, and help rule out any other underlying conditions.

In summary, your experiences could indeed be related to sleepwalking, particularly given the lack of memory associated with the actions. The interplay between stress, sleep quality, and memory formation is intricate, and understanding it fully may require professional guidance. Seeking help from a healthcare provider can lead to a better understanding of your sleep patterns and appropriate interventions to improve your overall sleep health.

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