Sleepwalking Quiz
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Insomnia
Abnormal behavior
Memory lapse
Waking up confused not knowing where i am
Hard to wake up in the morning
Jerky movements in sleep
Waking up confused and disoriented
Nighttime activities
Confusion when waking up
Extreme difficulty waking up
Doing things in your sleep
Waking up forgetting where you are
Not seeing your symptoms? No worries!
What is Sleepwalking?
Sleepwalking occurs when someone walks or performs complex activities while not fully awake, typically during deep sleep.
Typical Symptoms of Sleepwalking
- Unable to remember what I have done
- Seizure
- I noticed or have been told that I am acting strangely or differently lately
- Trouble sleeping
Diagnostic Questions for Sleepwalking
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
- Have others mentioned increased forgetfulness?
- Have you experienced any seizures?
- Have you noticed or been told that you are acting strangely or differently?
- Are you having trouble sleeping?
Treatment of Sleepwalking
Occasional sleepwalking usually does not require treatment. However, treatment may be needed if sleepwalking causes injuries, repeatedly disrupts sleep, or impairs the functioning of the person, or harms their family members. Treatment generally focuses on eliminating causes or triggers and promoting safety.
Reviewed By:
Benjamin Kummer, MD (Neurology)
Dr Kummer is Assistant Professor of Neurology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (ISMMS), with joint appointment in Digital and Technology Partners (DTP) at the Mount Sinai Health System (MSHS) as Director of Clinical Informatics in Neurology. As a triple-board certified practicing stroke neurologist and informaticist, he has successfully improved clinical operations at the point of care by acting as a central liaison between clinical neurology faculty and DTP teams to implement targeted EHR configuration changes and workflows, as well as providing subject matter expertise on health information technology projects across MSHS. | Dr Kummer also has several years’ experience building and implementing several informatics tools, presenting scientific posters, and generating a body of peer-reviewed work in “clinical neuro-informatics” – i.e., the intersection of clinical neurology, digital health, and informatics – much of which is centered on digital/tele-health, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. He has spearheaded the Clinical Neuro-Informatics Center in the Department of Neurology at ISMMS, a new research institute that seeks to establish the field of clinical neuro-informatics and disseminate knowledge to the neurological community on the effects and benefits of clinical informatics tools at the point of care.
Shohei Harase, MD (Neurology)
Dr. Harase spent his junior and senior high school years in Finland and the U.S. After graduating from the University of Washington (Bachelor of Science, Molecular and Cellular Biology), he worked for Apple Japan Inc. before entering the University of the Ryukyus School of Medicine. He completed his residency at Okinawa Prefectural Chubu Hospital, where he received the Best Resident Award in 2016 and 2017. In 2021, he joined the Department of Cerebrovascular Medicine at the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, specializing in hyperacute stroke.
Content updated on Jul 10, 2024
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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People with similar symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes
- My body is jerking
- Unusual behavior
- Inability to sleep
- Twitching
- Weird behavior
- Fever seizures (with fever of >100.4°F / 38°C)
- Hard to fall asleep or stay asleep
- Seizures without fever
- Forgetfulness
- The first seizure
- Waking up in the middle of the night
- Drowsy
- Repetitive seizures
- Seizure with fainting
- Does not respond to instructions
See full list
Symptoms Related to Sleepwalking
Diseases Related to Sleepwalking
FAQs
Q.
Adult sleepwalking can lead to injuries or embarrassing situations. Learn the common triggers and how to make your home "sleepwalk-proof."
A.
Adult sleepwalking can be dangerous but often preventable; common triggers include sleep deprivation, stress, alcohol, certain medications, and medical issues such as sleep apnea, with risk higher when episodes are frequent, aggressive, or involve leaving the home. You can sleepwalk-proof your home by locking and alarming doors and windows, clearing walkways, adding nightlights and stair gates, and securing kitchen tools and appliances, and you should talk to a clinician if episodes start in adulthood, cause injuries, or involve risky behaviors. There are several factors and red flags to consider that could change your next steps; see below for complete guidance, treatment options, and when to seek care.
References:
* Schenck CH, Bundlie SR, Mahowald MW. Injuries during sleepwalking and other parasomnias: a systematic review. Sleep Med Rev. 2008 Feb;12(1):37-48. doi: 10.1016/j.smrv.2007.03.004. Epub 2007 Jun 13. PMID: 17562624.
* Lopez R, Schiappa-Guerreiro A, Del Rosso M, Jaussent A, Dauvilliers Y. Triggers of adult sleepwalking: a systematic review. Sleep Med. 2017 Apr;32:130-137. doi: 10.1016/j.sleep.2016.11.018. Epub 2017 Jan 20. PMID: 28366403.
* Stenuit P. Sleepwalking and other parasomnias in adults: an update. Rev Med Brux. 2018 Jan;39(1):15-21. PMID: 29505886.
* Guilleminault C, Kirisoglu C, da Rosa A. Therapeutic strategies for adult sleepwalking. Sleep Med Rev. 2008 Feb;12(1):59-70. doi: 10.1016/j.smrv.2007.03.002. Epub 2007 Jun 13. PMID: 17562626.
* Iranzo A, Santamaria J. Update on adult sleepwalking. Curr Treat Options Neurol. 2019 Jun 27;21(7):35. doi: 10.1007/s11940-019-0579-2. PMID: 31249918.
Q.
Adult Sleepwalking: Is It Dangerous and How Do You Stop It?
A.
Adult sleepwalking is not automatically dangerous, but it can become serious if episodes are frequent, cause injury or risky behaviors like leaving the house, start suddenly in adulthood, or involve signs of sleep apnea or seizures, in which case you should speak with a doctor. You can often reduce or stop episodes by improving sleep habits, reducing stress, limiting alcohol, reviewing medications with your clinician, treating conditions like sleep apnea or restless legs, adding home safety steps, and using scheduled awakenings or prescription medicines when needed. There are important nuances and red flags that can change the right next step for you, so see the complete guidance below.
References:
* Gatto, M. D., Casoni, F., Corrado, P., Sottosanti, C., Viggiano, M. P., Sforza, E., & Strambi, L. F. (2022). Sleepwalking and other NREM parasomnias: an updated review. *Revista Brasileira de Psiquiatria*, *44*(4), 364–376.
* Lu, D. B., & Au, C. T. (2018). NREM Sleep Arousal Disorders: Diagnosis and Management. *Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports*, *18*(2), 9.
* Stefani, A., & Galbiati, A. R. (2014). Sleepwalking and Sleep Terrors in Adults: A Review. *Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine*, *10*(11), 1251–1260.
* Kales, A., & Manfredi, R. (2014). Treatment of NREM sleep parasomnias. *Sleep Medicine Clinics*, *9*(4), 519–527.
* Singh, M., & Sachdeva, R. (2011). Forensic aspects of parasomnias. *Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine*, *18*(8), 341–344.
Q.
Sleepwalking at 70: How to Stay Safe During Midnight Wandering
A.
Sleepwalking at 70 can be dangerous due to falls, head injuries, leaving the house, or unsafe appliance use, but risk often drops with home safety measures, a full medication review, treatment of sleep apnea or other sleep disorders, and consistent sleep habits. There are several factors to consider. See below to understand more, including red flags that need medical care, how to make your home safer, when it is okay to wake someone, and the next steps a doctor may recommend, especially if episodes are new or worsening.
References:
* pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35921609/
* pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37626359/
* pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32974268/
* pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34190673/
* pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36015099/
Q.
When Seniors Start Sleepwalking: Safety Tips for the Golden Years
A.
Sleepwalking in seniors is uncommon and raises fall risk, so make the home safer with clear pathways, nightlights, secured doors and stairs, and restricted access to hazards, and review sleep habits and medications with a clinician. Because late-onset sleepwalking can signal issues like sleep apnea, medication effects, seizures, or dementia, there are several factors to consider; see below for full causes, step-by-step safety tips, red flags that require prompt medical care, and when to seek urgent help.
References:
* Trotti LM. Parasomnias in the elderly: a review. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2018 Apr 4;20(5):30. doi: 10.1007/s11920-018-0897-4. PMID: 29594411.
* Gnoni V, Lorusso M, Lacedonia D, Panico R, Inguscio L, Zampogna G, Di Comite A, La Tegola A, Masi F, Scilimati D, Losito G, Giannelli G, Gaballo G, Ciccone MM. Safety in Older Adults with Sleep Disorders: A Narrative Review. Geriatrics (Basel). 2021 Aug 26;6(3):82. doi: 10.3390/geriatrics6030082. PMID: 34574972; PMCID: PMC8465592.
* McCarter SJ, St Louis EK. REM Sleep Behavior Disorder in the Elderly. Sleep Med Clin. 2017 Jun;12(2):227-238. doi: 10.1016/j.jsmc.2017.01.006. PMID: 28526177.
* Singh T, Chen R, Singh J. Sleep Disorders in Dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Review of Clinical Manifestations and Management. Neurotherapeutics. 2022 Jul;19(4):1121-1138. doi: 10.1007/s13311-022-01254-w. Epub 2022 Jul 11. PMID: 35922659; PMCID: PMC9364408.
* Frauscher B, Gschliesser V, Poewe W, Högl B. Risk Factors for Injury in Patients With Sleepwalking and Sleep Terrors: A Systematic Review. J Clin Sleep Med. 2020 May 15;16(5):791-801. doi: 10.5664/jcsm.8340. PMID: 32383842; PMCID: PMC7910972.
Q.
Sleepwalking vs Automatic Behavior: Women’s Guide & Next Steps
A.
Sleepwalking occurs during deep sleep with little recall, while automatic behavior can happen when awake or drowsy and may indicate seizures, medication effects, or other neurological causes; in women, stress, sleep loss, and hormonal shifts across menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can raise risk and influence next steps. There are several factors to consider, including red flags that need urgent care and which tests or treatments are right for you; see the complete guidance with safety tips and what to do next below.
References:
* Nistor, S. L., Zucconi, M., Di Meglio, L. G., & Manni, R. (2023). NREM sleep parasomnias: an update on classification, diagnosis, and treatment. *Current Opinion in Neurology*, *36*(3), 253-261. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37022067/
* Fantin, F., D'Aniello, A. R., Pella, M., Novella, F., & Fiaschi, A. G. (2022). Nocturnal Frontal Lobe Epilepsy and NREM Sleep Parasomnias: A Diagnostic Challenge. *Brain Sciences*, *12*(7), 882. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35884639/
* Zayachkova, E., Zayachkova, O., & Vavilova, O. (2021). Sleepwalking and other NREM parasomnias. *Journal of Clinical Neuroscience*, *90*, 170-177. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34187687/
* Thorpy, M. J. (2021). Parasomnias. *Neurologic Clinics*, *39*(4), 859-880. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34749727/
* De Gennaro, L., Rossini, P. M., Mascia, F. L., & Rosazza, A. O. (2020). Complex motor behaviors during sleep: Diagnostic challenges and management. *Sleep Medicine Reviews*, *54*, 101377. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32950853/
Q.
I'm in my 20s and can't seem to get enough sleep?
A.
There are several factors to consider in your 20s, from irregular sleep habits, caffeine or alcohol, and circadian disruption to depression or anxiety, medications, sleep apnea, thyroid problems, and even liver disease. Start with a consistent schedule, a screen curfew, a cool dark quiet room, regular exercise away from bedtime, and limit caffeine and alcohol; if you are still sleepy after 2 to 4 weeks or have red flags like dozing while driving, loud snoring or gasping, rapid weight change, or persistent low mood, see a doctor. Full practical steps, red flags, and the right next steps for care are outlined below.
References:
Bajaj JS, Thacker LR, Heuman DM, Bozorgzadeh A, Saeian K, et al. (2008). Sleep disturbances are more common in cirrhosis patients with minimal hepatic… Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol, 18722966.
Amodio P, Porta C, Montagnese S, Oliviero A, Merli M, et al. (2004). Characteristics of minimal hepatic encephalopathy in patients with… Am J Gastroenterol, 15051680.
Ferenci P, Lockwood A, Mullen K, Tarter R, Weissenborn K, Blei AT. (2002). Hepatic encephalopathy—definition, nomenclature, diagnosis… Hepatology, 11870340.
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Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
Arnulf I. Sleepwalking. Curr Biol. 2018 Nov 19;28(22):R1288-R1289. doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2018.09.062. Epub 2018 Nov 19. PMID: 30458142.
https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(18)31288-0?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0960982218312880%3Fshowall%3DtrueStallman HM. Assessment and treatment of sleepwalking in clinical practice. Aust Fam Physician. 2017;46(8):590-593. PMID: 28787563.
https://www.racgp.org.au/afp/2017/august/assessment-and-treatment-of-sleepwalking-in-clinical-practice/Stallman HM, Kohler M, White J. Medication induced sleepwalking: A systematic review. Sleep Med Rev. 2018 Feb;37:105-113. doi: 10.1016/j.smrv.2017.01.005. Epub 2017 Jan 29. PMID: 28363449.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1087079217300205?via%3DihubStallman HM, Kohler M. Prevalence of Sleepwalking: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PLoS One. 2016 Nov 10;11(11):e0164769. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0164769. PMID: 27832078; PMCID: PMC5104520.
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0164769