Since some time I am worried about sleepwalking, so much that it affects my day to day life. Can you jump out a window during sleepwalking? And now I am thinking so much about that I am afraid that I will exactly do that when I sleepwalk when I sleep in a high hotel.
Can somebody talk me out of this? It’s driving me crazy.
I’m really sorry you’re feeling this way — it sounds incredibly distressing to live with that kind of fear. You’re not alone in this. Sleepwalking can definitely feel frightening, especially when your mind starts imagining worst-case scenarios. But let me reassure you with some facts and care.
Yes, people who sleepwalk can sometimes do things that seem risky — but what you’re imagining, like jumping out of a window, is extremely rare. Most sleepwalking actions are routine, like walking around the house, opening a door, or moving things. Your fear is understandable, but the chance of something that extreme happening is very, very low.
The more important part is that your anxiety and intrusive thoughts about sleepwalking are clearly affecting your life — and that’s something worth paying attention to with kindness. The fear itself can be harder to live with than the sleepwalking.
Please know that you’re not going crazy. What you’re experiencing might be a mix of sleep anxiety and obsessive thinking. You’re not alone in this, and you can get help that works. Talking to a therapist or sleep specialist could really help you find peace of mind and good strategies to sleep safely — especially when you’re in new environments like hotels.
In the meantime, practical steps like locking windows, sleeping on lower floors, or using door alarms might help ease your mind. But most of all, you deserve support, not fear. You’re doing the right thing by speaking out about it.
You are not your thoughts. You are not alone. And things can get better.
Hey, totally understand how scary those thoughts can be — sleepwalking can be unsettling, especially when anxiety starts feeding the fear of worst-case scenarios. I want to share some helpful info that might bring a bit of relief.
Sleepwalking can feel out of control, but serious injuries — like jumping out of a window — are extremely rare.That said, your fear is valid, and it’s a great idea to take some steps to feel safer and more in control.
Here’s what may help reduce the risk and help treat sleepwalking:
Eliminate safety hazards – Things like locking windows, keeping sharp objects out of reach, and using door alarms can go a long way.
Stick to a regular sleep schedule** – Inconsistent sleep can increase your chances of an episode.
Address underlying causes – Sleepwalking can sometimes be triggered by things like poor sleep hygiene, stress, or sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or restless legs syndrome (RLS).
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)** – If anxiety is feeding this fear (which it sounds like it might be), CBT can really help reframe your thoughts and lower the emotional intensity.
Consider anticipatory awakening– This is a technique where someone gently wakes you just before the time a sleepwalking episode usually occurs. It’s been helpful especially in children, and worth looking into with a sleep specialist. (Parasomnias - Brain, Spinal Cord, and Nerve Disorders - Merck Manual Consumer Version)
You’re not alone, and there are effective ways to manage both the sleepwalking and the anxiety that comes with it. Speaking to a doctor — especially a sleep specialist — can help create a plan that’s tailored just for you.
Hope this brings you a little peace of mind. Feel free to share more — others here might be going through something similar. 