Learn About Sleepwalking (Somnambulism)

What is the definition of Sleepwalking (Somnambulism)?

Sleepwalking is a disorder that occurs when people walk or do other activity while they are still asleep.

What are the alternative names for Sleepwalking (Somnambulism)?

Walking during sleep; Somnambulism

What are the causes of Sleepwalking (Somnambulism)?

The normal sleep cycle has stages, from light drowsiness to deep sleep. During the stage called rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, the eyes move quickly and vivid dreaming is most common.

Each night, people go through several cycles of non-REM and REM sleep. Sleepwalking (somnambulism) most often occurs during deep, non-REM sleep (called N3 sleep) early in the night.

Sleepwalking is much more common in children and young adults than in older adults. This is because as people age, they have less N3 sleep. Sleepwalking tends to run in families.

Fatigue, lack of sleep, and anxiety are all associated with sleepwalking. In adults, sleepwalking may occur due to:

  • Alcohol, sedatives, or other medicines, such as some sleeping pills
  • Medical conditions, such as seizures
  • Mental disorders

In older adults, sleepwalking may be a symptom of a medical problem that causes decreased mental function neurocognitive disorder.

What are the symptoms of Sleepwalking (Somnambulism)?

When people sleepwalk, they may sit up and look as though they are awake when they are actually asleep. They may get up and walk around. Or they may do complex activities such as moving furniture, going to the bathroom, and dressing or undressing. Some people even drive a car while they are asleep.

The episode can be very brief (a few seconds or minutes) or it can last for 30 minutes or longer. Most episodes last for less than 10 minutes. If they are not disturbed, sleepwalkers will go back to sleep. But they may fall asleep in a different or even unusual place.

Symptoms of sleepwalking include:

  • Acting confused or disoriented when the person wakes up
  • Aggressive behavior when woken up by someone else
  • Having a blank look on the face
  • Opening eyes during sleep
  • Not remembering the sleep walking episode when they wake up
  • Performing detailed activity of any type during sleep
  • Sitting up and appearing awake during sleep
  • Talking during sleep and saying things that do not make sense
  • Walking during sleep
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What are the current treatments for Sleepwalking (Somnambulism)?

Most people do not need specific treatment for sleepwalking. Hypnosis and timed awakenings may help some people.

In some cases, medicines such as short-acting tranquilizers are helpful in reducing sleepwalking episodes. However, some of these medicines can also cause sleep walking.

Some people mistakenly believe that a sleepwalker should not be awakened. It is not dangerous to awaken a sleepwalker, although it is common for the person to be confused or disoriented for a short time when they wake up.

Another misconception is that a person cannot be injured while sleepwalking. Sleepwalkers are commonly injured when they trip and lose their balance.

Safety measures may be needed to prevent injury. This may include moving objects such as electrical cords or furniture to reduce the chance of tripping and falling. Stairways may need to be blocked with a gate.

Who are the top Sleepwalking (Somnambulism) Local Doctors?
Internal Medicine
Internal Medicine
11333 Prospect Dr, 
Jackson, CA 
 (22.9 mi)
Languages Spoken:
English

Craig Hall is an Internal Medicine provider in Jackson, California. Dr. Hall and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Sleepwalking (Somnambulism). His top areas of expertise are Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young, Hypertension, Familial Hypertension, and Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism.

Sleep Medicine | Pulmonary Medicine
Sleep Medicine | Pulmonary Medicine
8909 Brecon Way, 
Elk Grove, CA 
 (24.3 mi)
Languages Spoken:
English

Jamal Mohammed is a Sleep Medicine specialist and a Pulmonary Medicine provider in Elk Grove, California. Dr. Mohammed and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Sleepwalking (Somnambulism). His top areas of expertise are Periodic Limb Movement Disorder, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Restless Legs Syndrome, and Sleepwalking (Somnambulism).

 
 
 
 
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Internal Medicine
Internal Medicine
295 Posada Ln, D, 
Templeton, CA 
 (215.8 mi)
Languages Spoken:
English
Offers Telehealth

Julie Fallon is an Internal Medicine provider in Templeton, California. Dr. Fallon and is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Sleepwalking (Somnambulism). Her top areas of expertise are Sleepwalking (Somnambulism), Hydrocephalus Skeletal Anomalies, Hydrocephalus Autosomal Recessive, and Torticollis.

What is the outlook (prognosis) for Sleepwalking (Somnambulism)?

Sleepwalking usually decreases as children get older. It usually does not indicate a serious disorder, although it can be a symptom of other disorders.

It is unusual for sleepwalkers to perform activities that are dangerous. But precautions should be taken to prevent injuries such as falling down stairs or climbing out of a window.

When should I contact a medical professional for Sleepwalking (Somnambulism)?

You probably do not need to visit your provider. Discuss your condition with your provider if:

  • You also have other symptoms
  • Sleepwalking is frequent or persistent
  • You do dangerous activities (such as driving) while sleepwalking
How do I prevent Sleepwalking (Somnambulism)?

Sleepwalking may be prevented by the following:

  • Do not use alcohol or anti-depressant medicines if you sleepwalk.
  • Avoid sleep deprivation, and try to prevent insomnia, because these can trigger sleepwalking.
  • Avoid or minimize stress, anxiety, and conflict, which can worsen the condition.
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Who are the sources who wrote this article ?

Published Date: April 29, 2023
Published By: Joseph V. Campellone, MD, Department of Neurology, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

What are the references for this article ?

Avidan AY. Disorders of arousal. In: Kryger M, Roth T, Goldstein CA, Dement WC, eds. Principles and Practice of Sleep Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 116.

Avidan AY. Sleep and its disorders. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley's and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 101.