When 27-year-old Ryan Campbell went camping at Grays Arch Trail in Kentucky’s Red River Gorge with friends, it wasn’t long before he fell asleep in a hammock. However, early in the morning, his friends saw him get up and sleepwalk off a 60-foot cliff. Fortunately, a rhododendron bush broke his fall and Campbell escaped with minor injuries. He didn’t even know he was a sleepwalker, which is unusual according to sleep specialist Dr. Sheila Tsai. “Most sleepwalkers know that they sleepwalk because family members or friends tell them they do.” Sleepwalking is more common in children than in adults, and only about 4% of people who sleepwalk in childhood will continue into adulthood. Certain things may trigger sleepwalking episodes, including stress, sleep deprivation, drug or alcohol abuse, and use of certain antidepressants. Sleeping in a new and unfamiliar environment can also trigger sleepwalking, which is apparently what happened in Campbell’s case. Dr. Tsai said that precautions should be taken to emphasize safety, including making sure things like car keys, guns, and hunting equipment is locked away. Campbell says he will continue to camp, but will be more cautious in the future.
