Travelodge, which runs more than 300 business hotels in Britain, says sleepwalking rose seven-fold in the past year, and 95 percent of the somnambulants are scantily clad men. “We have seen an increased number of cases over the years so it is important that our staff know how to help sleepwalking when it arises,” Leigh McCarron, the chain’s sleep director, said in a statement. One tip in the company’s newly released “sleepwalkers guide” tells staff to keep towels handy at the front desk in case a customer’s dignity needs preserving.

The company said naked wanderers often ask receptionists such questions as “Where’s the bathroom?,” “Do you have a newspaper?” or “Can I check out, I’m late for work?”

Studies have found that sleepwalking can be brought on by stress, alcohol, eating cheese or consuming too much caffeine. It generally takes effect an hour or two after going to bed, when people are first slipping into a deep sleep.

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