Armchair Anonymous: Sleepwalking II - Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard

Armchair Anonymous: Sleepwalking II – Detailed Summary

Released on July 11, 2025, "Armchair Anonymous: Sleepwalking II" is a compelling episode of the "Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard" podcast. Hosted by Dax Shepard and featuring Monica Padman, the episode delves deep into the perplexing and often unsettling phenomenon of sleepwalking. Through personal anecdotes, expert insights, and engaging dialogues, the hosts explore the complexities of nocturnal activities and their implications.

Introduction to Sleepwalking

The episode kicks off with Dax Shepard introducing the topic of sleepwalking, setting the stage for an in-depth exploration of the subject. Monica Padman joins him, framing sleepwalking as more than just simple nocturnal activities but rather as intricate behaviors that can have significant consequences.

Dax Shepard [00:23]: "People are out and about in their sleep, in their slumber. They get busy nocturnally and it brought up a really interesting thought experiment like, can you be arrested for doing something bad while you sleep?"

Personal Sleepwalking Experiences

Natalie's High School Sleepwalking Incident

Natalie shares a harrowing account from her teenage years, detailing a severe sleepwalking episode during her high school years in Salt Lake City, Utah. As a member of the competitive high school drill team, the pressure to perform was immense. The story unfolds with Natalie oversleeping for an early practice, leading to extreme stress and the onset of sleep issues.

Natalie [04:25]: "I remember waking up to a call from the captain of the team. I had slept through my alarm, and the adrenaline took me out of my house in under five minutes, only to find myself at school with no memory of the journey."

The episode escalates as Natalie recounts a night at age nine where she sleepwalked to her high school, fully dressed and prepared, only to wake up in her car at 12:30 AM with no recollection of the event.

Natalie [08:35]: "I woke up in my car in the high school parking lot, hair slicked back, full gear bag on the passenger seat. My car was running, and I had no memory of how I got there."

Monica and Dax express their astonishment, highlighting the dangers and psychological impact of such episodes.

Abby's Sleepwalking Mysteries

Abby discusses her own sleepwalking experiences, which were exacerbated by a chronic nerve condition called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and heavy medication, including morphine and Ambien. These substances contributed to intense sleep disturbances and hallucinations.

Abby [27:24]: "I woke up the next morning to lift my nightgown and found no pubic hair—a mysterious and unsettling discovery that remains unresolved."

The group humorously speculates on the odd disappearance of her pubic hair during a sleepwalking episode, emphasizing the bizarre nature of sleepwalking behaviors.

Dax Shepard [36:10]: "You never found it? You had to have done it on the toilet and flush the toilet."

Monica Padman's Nocturnal Seizures

Monica shares her experiences with nocturnal seizures and sleepwalking, including incidents where she insulted someone in her sleep or performed unusual actions like swimming while dreaming.

Monica Padman [25:42]: "I have sleep seizures. Nocturnal seizures. Also, remember when I called that person a dumb bitch?"

Discussion on the Risks and Implications of Sleepwalking

The hosts delve into the potential dangers associated with sleepwalking, such as accidents, legal liabilities, and the psychological toll it takes on individuals and their families. They discuss extreme cases where individuals have committed unlawful acts while sleepwalking, raising questions about responsibility and accountability.

Dax Shepard [13:03]: "So people have done wild shit because if you're having a nightmare that your neighbor's trying to kill you and you think it's self-defense, that's crazy, Natalie."

Coping Strategies and Parental Concerns

The conversation shifts to strategies for managing sleepwalking, especially concerning parents worried about their children's safety during such episodes. The hosts and guests discuss practical measures like securing the home environment, monitoring sleep patterns, and seeking medical advice.

Monica Padman [24:13]: "We just had a device that records you in the middle of the night when you start talking."

Dax adds humorously disastrous solutions while also acknowledging the seriousness of ensuring safety.

Dax Shepard [23:36]: "What if you throw a huge bucket of water in her face as she runs by?"

Anecdotes and Humor

Throughout the episode, humor interlaces with serious discussions, adding a relatable and engaging dynamic. The hosts share light-hearted moments, such as impersonating police officers or pilots, and playful banter about personal quirks and family stories.

Dax Shepard [40:03]: "You never found it? Like, if you're coming home late at night and you're an adult. Let's be clear. She's 22. You turn the Corner. And your lights illuminate a woman squatting in her driveway."

This blend of humor and personal storytelling keeps the narrative lively while addressing the underlying seriousness of sleepwalking.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode winds down, the hosts reflect on the shared experiences, emphasizing the importance of understanding and compassion for those dealing with sleepwalking. They acknowledge the complexities of the condition and encourage listeners to seek help if they or their loved ones are affected.

Monica Padman [48:56]: "I know. Let's meet this hunk. What's his name?"

The episode concludes with a mix of heartfelt appreciation and light-hearted farewells, leaving listeners with both insights and smiles.

Notable Quotes

Natalie [08:35]: "I woke up in my car in the high school parking lot, hair slicked back in. My full gear bag was on my passenger seat. Car was running. I have no memory of how I got there."
Abby [27:24]: "I woke up the next morning to lift my nightgown and found no pubic hair—a mysterious and unsettling discovery that remains unresolved."
Dax Shepard [13:03]: "So people have done wild shit because if you're having a nightmare that your neighbor's trying to kill you and you think it's self-defense, that's crazy, Natalie."
Monica Padman [24:13]: "We just had a device that records you in the middle of the night when you start talking."

Key Takeaways

Sleepwalking is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that can range from benign to dangerous, impacting individuals and their families profoundly.
Personal experiences highlight the varied manifestations of sleepwalking, from simple oversleeping to engaging in elaborate and risky behaviors without consciousness.
Medical conditions and medications can exacerbate sleepwalking, making it essential to seek professional help for management and mitigation.
Humor and open dialogue around sensitive topics like sleepwalking can foster understanding and reduce stigma, encouraging those affected to share their stories and seek assistance.

Armchair Anonymous: Sleepwalking II serves as a poignant reminder of the intricacies of human behavior, especially when our subconscious takes the reins. Through shared narratives and thoughtful discussion, Dax Shepard and Monica Padman offer listeners both empathy and enlightenment on the enigmatic world of sleepwalking.