Odd Things People Do in Their Sleep and Why

Different sleepers bring along different behaviors. When you are in a deep sleep, you don’t have control over your body. While the brain is very active, the body remains inactive, and your senses decrease as well.

There are a few odd things that people do while they are sleeping. Most are not a cause for concern, but some should warrant a chat with your doctor.

Crying While Sleeping

Crying while sleeping isn’t just for babies. It can happen to people of any age, for numerous reasons. Although your body is resting, the brain is still active.

The amygdala and cingulate gyrus are two unusual areas of the brain that become very active during sleep. The amygdala links your senses to your emotions. The cingulate gyrus controls muscle movements when it is stimulated.

Because your emotions and muscle movements are controlled, it is very possible to cry while sleeping. The actual cause could be a traumatic experience in your reality, nightmares, and/or suppressed emotions.

Can You Sneeze While Sleeping?

When you sneeze, that is your body’s way of telling you that there is an irritant in your nose that needs to find its way out. When you are sleeping, your senses are decreased. This is why sneezing while sleeping is pretty impossible. Your body isn’t aware of your nose being “tickled”.

People who sneeze while they sleep could end up having a hard time going back to sleep because their body was fully awakened to do so.

Why Do People Twitch In Their Sleep?

Twitching, or hypnic jerks, occur when the body is transitioning from being awake to sleeping. These involuntary movements usually occur in the beginning stages of falling asleep.

This usually happens because the body is still trying to relax from all the muscular movements from the day. There is no clear cause of hypnic jerks besides:

• Overstimulation
• Stress
• Poor sleeping habits

Sleeping With Open Eyes

Many people are unaware they sleep with their eyes open until someone tells them. Different things could cause this including:

• Problems with muscles or nerves in the face or around the eyes.
• Trauma or injury.
• Tumour.
• Neuromuscular diseases.
• Autoimmune conditions.

If you or someone you know sleeps with their eyes open, visit a doctor to properly diagnose the condition.

Sweating While Sleeping

It is common for men and women to wake up damp from sweat in the middle of the night. Different factors could cause this that don’t lead back to an underlying health condition.

The body naturally changes temperature while sleeping but here are a few things you can do to take control of your sweaty nights:

• Don’t drink before bed. Alcohol tends to increase the temperature of your body. While some people use it to relax them before bed, it can also be the cause of night sweats.
• Decrease stress levels. When your mind is overactive, your body temperature increases. Take time to wind down and relax before bed with a proper routine.
• Adjust your sleepwear and bedding. Sometimes it can be as simple as what you wear. Wearing breathable clothing and bedding can aid in decreasing sweat.

Sometimes the behaviors you have while sleeping can come from what you are doing while awake. Creating an effective nighttime routine can help in ending these behaviors. You can use the BetterSleep app to create your perfect bedtime routine and have a better night’s rest.