Sleepwalking, or somnambulism, is a parasomnia in which a person gets up and walks or performs other activities while still mostly asleep, usually during deep non‑REM sleep in the first half of the night. It is more common in children than adults and often runs in families, especially when a parent has a history of sleepwalking.

Common Signs and Symptoms

Sleepwalking is not just walking with eyes closed. Episodes can involve a range of behaviors that last from a few seconds to up to 30 minutes. Typical signs include:

  • Walking or running around the home with open, glassy eyes and a blank expression.
  • Performing routine tasks such as getting dressed or using the bathroom in the wrong place.
  • Minimal response to others, incoherent speech, and no memory of the event the next morning.

Is Sleepwalking Dangerous?

Many episodes are mild, but safety is a major concern because the person is unaware of their surroundings. Risks include:

  • Falls, collisions with furniture, and accidents with stairs, sharp objects, or even attempting to drive.
  • Emotional impact, such as embarrassment about aggressive, sexual, or inappropriate behaviors during episodes, and disturbed sleep for bed partners or family members.

What Triggers Sleepwalking?

Sleepwalking usually happens when deep sleep is disrupted by a partial awakening that “switches on” movement while the brain remains mostly asleep. Factors that can increase the likelihood include:

  • Genetics and family history of parasomnias.
  • Sleep deprivation, fever in children, or fragmented sleep from conditions like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or restless legs syndrome (RLS).
  • Alcohol use, sedating medications, certain brain conditions, and high levels of physical or emotional stress.

When To See a Sleep Specialist

Occasional, mild sleepwalking in children may improve with age and may not require active treatment. However, an evaluation with a sleep specialist is important if:​

  • Episodes are frequent, prolonged, or involve dangerous behaviors such as leaving the home or handling sharp objects.
  • There are signs of another sleep disorder, such as loud snoring, gasping, pauses in breathing, or an irresistible urge to move the legs at night.

Home Safety Tips for Sleepwalkers

Creating a safer environment can significantly reduce the risk of injury while you seek medical guidance.

  • Lock doors and windows, remove tripping hazards, and secure sharp or dangerous objects.
  • Add motion‑sensor nightlights and, if needed, door or bed alarms that alert family members when the person gets up.

Treatment Options

Treatment is individualized based on age, frequency, and severity of episodes. A plan may include:​

  • Improving sleep hygiene: consistent sleep schedule, limiting caffeine and alcohol near bedtime, and creating a calm pre‑sleep routine.
  • Addressing underlying problems such as OSA or RLS, adjusting medications that may be contributing, and in some cases using anticipatory awakenings about the time episodes usually occur.
  • Behavioral strategies like relaxation techniques or cognitive behavioral therapy when stress and anxiety are major triggers; medications are reserved for more severe or persistent cases.

How Our Sleep Center Can Help

A board‑certified sleep specialist can review your history, screen for related sleep disorders, and recommend appropriate testing and treatment. An overnight sleep study or home sleep apnea test may be suggested when breathing‑related issues or frequent arousals are suspected. Working together, families and clinicians can reduce safety risks, improve sleep quality, and help both the sleepwalker and household rest more comfortably.

Sleepwalking can be stressful for the entire household. Our experienced sleep specialists can help uncover what’s behind the episodes and guide you toward safer nights and more restful sleep. Contact our sleep specialists to take the next step.