Written by Arbitrage • 2024-10-25 00:00:00
As Halloween approaches, we start seeing decorations of eerie graveyards, skeletons rising from the ground, and of course, zombies shuffling about with vacant stares and outstretched arms. But what if I told you that sleepwalking is a real phenomenon many of us have heard of, or maybe even experienced too far off from a zombie-like state? Let's dive into this spooky parallel between sleepwalkers and Halloween's favorite undead creatures!
What is Sleepwalking Anyway?
Sleepwalking, or somnambulism, is when a person moves around or performs tasks while in a deep, unconscious sleep. Just like a zombie on a mission, a sleepwalker might wander through the house, mumble strange phrases, or even open doors and go outside - all while remaining blissfully unaware of their actions. They look awake, but in reality, their brain is only partly switched on, much like our zombie friends! So, next time you see someone walking down the hall in the middle of the night, you might want to take a closer look... are they really awake?
Are Sleepwalkers the Modern-Day Zombies?
Think about it: sleepwalkers and zombies share some uncanny similarities:
Vacant Stare: Sleepwalkers often have glassy, unfocused eyes that look right through you just like zombies on the hunt for brains.
Slow and Unsteady Movements: While sleepwalking, people may move awkwardly, shuffling their feet or stumbling over objects, as if they're in a trance. Sound familiar?
Unpredictable Behavior: Just as zombies can act unpredictably, sleepwalkers might wander around, rearrange furniture, or even leave the house, completely unaware of what they're doing.
There's no moaning or flesh-eating (thankfully!), but it's easy to see how sleepwalking could be the real-world version of a zombie stroll.
The Mystery of What Causes Sleepwalking
Much like the origin of zombies varies from folklore to folklore, the causes of sleepwalking are still somewhat of a mystery. But a few common zombie triggers include:
Lack of Sleep: Deprivation can lead to a more intense deep sleep, making sleepwalking episodes more likely. Like zombies drawn to a midnight snack, sleepwalkers can't resist the call of an interrupted sleep cycle.
Stress and Anxiety: Ever feel like your mind just wont turn off at night? High stress levels can affect your sleep, increasing the chance of sleepwalking. It's as if stress puts your brain on autopilot, causing you to wander aimlessly, just like a zombie searching for... well, whatever zombies search for!
Fever: Sometimes, fevers can trigger sleepwalking, especially in children. Picture a feverish little one sleepwalking as if they're a tiny Halloween zombie, shuffling through the halls with a glazed expression just looking for some rest!
Sleepwalkers vs. Zombies:Â READY? Fight!
While a zombie apocalypse might seem unlikely (phew!), sleepwalking is a real-life phenomenon that brings a taste of the supernatural to our world. During the spooky season, it's fun to think of sleepwalkers as our very own version of the undead. So if you spot someone in your house wandering around aimlessly, resist the urge to scream... to get in the Halloween spirit, maybe consider dressing up as a sleepwalking zombie! Combine your favorite zombie costume with the pajama look, throw in a little bed-head, and you've got yourself a hilariously creepy (and realistic!) Halloween costume.
So this October, embrace the sleepwalkers and the zombies alike. Who knows? Maybe we all have a little bit of the living dead in us... especially while we're sleepwalking!