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Published on: 7/21/2026

What are the signs that someone may be sleepwalking?

Yoshinori Abe

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Sleepwalking is a sleep disorder in which a person walks or performs activities while still asleep. Common signs of sleepwalking include:

  • Walking or moving around while asleep
  • Sitting up in bed with eyes open but a blank, glassy expression
  • Being difficult to wake or confused when awakened
  • Not responding or responding slowly to conversation
  • Performing routine tasks (like getting dressed) unconsciously
  • Having no memory of the event the next morning

Sleepwalking most often occurs during deep non-REM sleep, typically within the first few hours after falling asleep. While occasional episodes are usually harmless, frequent sleepwalking may signal an underlying issue such as stress, sleep deprivation, or another sleep disorder.

If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms, understanding the cause is the first step toward better rest and safety. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to help identify possible causes and guide your next steps with confidence.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

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Explanation

Sleepwalking, also known as somnambulism, is a condition where a person walks or performs other activities while not fully awake. Signs of sleepwalking include:

  • Walking during sleep: The person may get out of bed and walk around as if awake.
  • Blank expression: They often have a glassy-eyed stare or blank expression while moving.
  • Lack of response: If spoken to, the person may not respond or may respond slowly.
  • Confusion upon waking: If woken up, they might be confused or disoriented.
  • No memory of the event: Typically, the sleepwalker does not remember the sleepwalking episode the next day.

Sleepwalking is more common in children and can be triggered by factors like lack of sleep, stress, or illness. It's important to ensure the sleepwalker's safety by removing obstacles and securing doors and windows. If you're experiencing sleepwalking or other concerning symptoms, try our free AI symptom checker to better understand what might be causing your symptoms and whether you should seek medical care.

(References)

  • Kotagal S. (2017). Sleep-Wake Disorders of Childhood. Continuum (Minneapolis, Minn.), 28777180.

  • Guilleminault C, & Anders TF. (1976). The pathophysiology of sleep disorders in pediatrics. Part II .... Advances in pediatrics, 57711.

  • Kaur H, Jahngir MU, & Siddiqui JH. (2018). Sleep-related Eating Disorder in a Patient with Parkinson's .... Cureus, 30473978.

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