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Published on: 11/19/2025
Do genetics play a role in sleepwalking?
Yes, genetics can play a role in sleepwalking. Studies show that sleepwalking can run in families, suggesting a hereditary component.
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Sleepwalking, also known as somnambulism, has been studied in relation to genetics. Research indicates that sleepwalking can indeed run in families, which suggests that genetics may play a role.
- Family Studies: One study found that sleepwalking and night terrors often occur in families, implying that hereditary factors are involved.
- Twin Studies: Another study looked at twins and found that if one twin sleepwalks, the other is more likely to sleepwalk too. This suggests a genetic link.
- Genetic Co-occurrence: Some research also shows that other sleep-related issues can occur together with sleepwalking, and these may also have genetic ties.
In summary, while not everyone who sleepwalks has a family history, having relatives who sleepwalk can increase the likelihood. This points to a genetic component in the occurrence of sleepwalking. For more information on sleep-related issues, you can visit 988lifeline.org.
(References)
- Kales A, Soldatos CR, Bixler EO, Ladda RL, Charney DS, Weber G, & Schweitzer PK. (1980). Hereditary factors in sleepwalking and night terrors. The British journal of psychiatry : the journal of mental science, 7426840.
- Hublin C, Kaprio J, Partinen M, Heikkilä K, & Koskenvuo M. (1997). Prevalence and genetics of sleepwalking: a population- .... Neurology, 9008515.
- Hublin C, Kaprio J, Partinen M, & Koskenvu M. (2001). Parasomnias: co-occurrence and genetics. Psychiatric genetics, 11525419.
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