How Do You Spell SLEEPWALKERS?

Pronunciation: [slˈiːpwɔːkəz] (IPA)

The spelling of "sleepwalkers" follows the pronunciation of the word. Sleep is pronounced /sliːp/ and walker is pronounced /wɔːkər/. The stress falls on the first syllable of sleep, so it's spelled with two E's. The final syllable of walker ends in an -er sound, so the spelling of the -er suffix is retained. The resulting word is spelled as "sleepwalkers" /ˈsliːp.wɔːkərz/. Sleepwalkers are people who walk while they are asleep, a phenomenon also known as somnambulism.

SLEEPWALKERS Meaning and Definition

1. Sleepwalkers refers to individuals who experience the phenomenon of sleepwalking, also known as somnambulism. Sleepwalking is a sleep disorder characterized by episodes where a person engages in various activities while appearing to be asleep.

   During sleepwalking episodes, the person typically moves around with an altered state of consciousness, performing actions that may seem purposeful but are actually unconscious and lacking awareness. These actions can range from simple movements like sitting up in bed, walking around the room, or more complex behaviors such as opening doors, rearranging objects, or even leaving the house. Sleepwalkers may also talk or mumble, although their speech is often incoherent.

   Sleepwalking usually occurs during the deepest stages of non-REM sleep, typically within the first few hours after falling asleep. It is more commonly observed in children but can affect individuals of any age. It is estimated that around 15% of children experience sleepwalking, but this condition usually diminishes as they reach adolescence.

   There is no specific cause for sleepwalking, although several factors may contribute to its occurrence. These include sleep deprivation, fatigue, stress, fever, certain medications, and genetic predisposition. Sleepwalking episodes are generally harmless and often resolve on their own, but they can occasionally pose risks such as falls or injuries.

   Treatment for sleepwalking primarily focuses on ensuring the safety of the sleepwalker and creating a sleep-friendly environment that minimizes triggers. Techniques such as improving sleep hygiene, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, and reducing stress levels may be recommended. In severe cases or when the episodes result in significant sleep disturbances, medical intervention including medication or referral to a sleep specialist may be necessary.

Common Misspellings for SLEEPWALKERS

• slepwalkes

Etymology of SLEEPWALKERS

The term "sleepwalker" is composed of two parts: "sleep" and "walker".

The word "sleep" is derived from Middle English "slepen" and Old English "slǣpan", both of which mean "to sleep". These roots can be traced back to Proto-Germanic "slēpaną" and Proto-Indo-European "sleb-", both meaning "to be quiet", "to be inactive", or "to rest".

The term "walker" originates from Middle English "walken", which is derived from Old English "wealcan" meaning "to go, move, or travel". It is related to Old High German "walken" and Old Norse "valka", both carrying similar meanings.