Guy Makes His Brother Sleep In The Basement Because He Sleepwalks, But His Roommate Says He's An AH For This

Some people don’t realize that “sleepwalking” isn’t just a quirky late-night habit. It can turn your home into a minefield, especially when you’re sharing walls with someone who wakes up mid-stride and starts making damage look like a hobby.

In this Reddit mess, OP is stuck living with his roommate and his little brother, who was basically kicked out and told to figure things out. The brother sleepwalks, and OP makes an agreement that sounds practical at first: put him in the basement so he can’t punch holes in the rest of the house. But the roommate is not buying it, and suddenly everyone’s safety and fairness are on the same floor.

Now OP’s wondering if he solved the wrong problem, because the basement plan is where the conflict really starts.

OP starts off by explaining who he is and what his situation is with his roommate and brother.

The little brother essentially got kicked out of the house and is now living with OP and his roommate.

This is when he gets into details on the agreement and then he brings up the main issue at hand here.

OP lays out the whole “basement setup” after the brother moves in, and that’s when the roommate starts side-eyeing the deal.

The situation of a brother relegated to the basement due to sleepwalking highlights the complexities associated with this condition. Sleepwalking is frequently tied to underlying psychological issues, which may include anxiety or unresolved trauma. This connection suggests that the brother's sleepwalking could be a manifestation of deeper stressors in his life, complicating the dynamics within the household.

When one family member's sleepwalking behavior impacts others, as it does in this scenario, it raises questions about the balance between personal safety and familial responsibility. The decision to send the brother to the basement, while perhaps intended to protect both parties, may overlook the emotional and psychological needs of the sleepwalker, further complicating their relationship.

We can definitely understand how this is an issue but also his brother could really hurt himself.

This is when OP decided to come up with a plan on how they could still live with him but without him putting holes in their walls.

The roommate is actually the one saying that OP is not right for doing this at all and that he's TA here.

The holes in the walls become the turning point, because OP thinks damage control is the only issue that matters.

Behavioral observations suggest that the roommate's concerns reflect a broader fear of unpredictability, which can lead to anxiety in shared living situations.

Research indicates that living with someone who has a sleep disorder may heighten stress levels for other household members, leading to potential conflict.

If OP feels that this is safe and his brother doesn't ming then maybe there's really not problem here.

He's right about the renovations and if his brother isn't staying there long then there's no reason to do all of that.

OP seems to have been a little defensive over the whole thing of his roommate talking about the decision he made.

The roommate flips the script and calls OP an AH, arguing that the basement punishment makes everything worse for everyone living there.

This reminds me of the person judged for refusing to let an evicted friend stay over.

Implementing a structured plan for nighttime safety can reduce anxiety for all parties involved, such as designating safe sleep zones or using alarms to alert others.

Engaging in open discussions about each person's fears and needs can foster a collaborative approach to conflict resolution.

Many people said that if the brother doesn't mind then neither should they but maybe that's not the right things to think.

south3y

We have to agree here that OP's brother really does need to talk to a doctor or something because this doesn't seem normal.

Moon-Queen95

It seems like most people here think that OP is in the wrong and he's TA for thinking his roommate is out of line.

extremelycrabby

Once OP starts talking about renovations and how long the brother might stay, the roommate’s anger gets even louder.

Addressing these issues through mediation can be beneficial.

He could hurt himself anywhere honestly but it's best to make sure that he's within view if he is.

anthrois9246

I really hope that if anything, OP will get some help for his brother and medical advice on his sleepwalking.

Lopsided_Respect_158

People seriously had a lot to say here and most of them told OP that he's the one who is TA here and he's obviously not keeping an eye on his brother. If anything he really should get his brother some medical help and his parents are not that great for leaving him to fend for himself essentially.

The situation presented in the Reddit post highlights the delicate balance required when navigating living arrangements with individuals who have sleep disorders. The decision to make his brother sleep in the basement raises questions about empathy and the impact of sleepwalking on household dynamics. By taking a proactive approach to understanding the complexities of sleep disorders, there is potential for fostering a more supportive living environment. This could ultimately lead to healthier relationships and a decrease in anxiety for everyone involved. It is crucial to recognize that while practical solutions may seem straightforward, they often require deeper emotional consideration.

OP tried to keep the house intact, but he may have broken the relationship instead.

Before you decide on the basement deal, read about whether someone was wrong to refuse their brother rent-free.