What causes someone to sleepwalk during the night?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Sleepwalking, also known as somnambulism, typically occurs during deep non-REM sleep and is caused by a combination of factors, including:

Sleep deprivation: Not getting enough rest increases the likelihood of episodes.
Stress and anxiety: Emotional strain can disrupt normal sleep cycles.
Genetics: Sleepwalking often runs in families.

Because sleepwalking can overlap with other sleep disorders or underlying health issues, identifying the root cause is key to getting the right care. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you clarify what's driving your symptoms and guide your next steps—whether that's lifestyle changes, better sleep hygiene, or seeing a doctor. It takes just a few minutes and could bring you meaningful clarity.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover why nighttime sleepwalking happens Learn if sleepwalking needs medical care Find out what causes your sleepwalking See over-the-counter options for sleepwalking safety Find a sleep specialist for sleepwalking Understand safe home remedies for sleepwalking Check if sleepwalking signals a serious problem

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Explanation

Sleepwalking, or somnambulism, is a condition where a person walks or performs complex behaviors while still asleep. It typically occurs during the deep sleep stage, known as non-REM sleep.

Causes

Sleep Deprivation: According to Mayer et al., lack of sleep can increase the likelihood of sleepwalking. When someone is very tired, their deep sleep may be disrupted, leading to episodes of sleepwalking.
Genetics: Guilleminault and colleagues suggest that sleepwalking can run in families, indicating a genetic component.
Stress and Environmental Factors: Stressful situations or changes in environment can also trigger sleepwalking episodes.

Age Groups

Children: Guilleminault et al. note that sleepwalking is more common in children, often linked to sleep terrors.
Elderly: Leu-Semenescu and Arnulf discuss that disruptive nocturnal behaviors, including sleepwalking, can occur in older adults, possibly due to changes in sleep patterns or underlying health issues.

If you or someone you know experiences disruptive sleep behaviors, you can start by using a free symptom checker to better understand your symptoms before reaching out to a healthcare provider for guidance. For mental health support, visit 988lifeline.org.

(References)

Leu-Semenescu S, & Arnulf I. (2010). [Disruptive nocturnal behavior in elderly subjects: could it .... Psychologie & neuropsychiatrie du vieillissement, 20525541.
Guilleminault C, Palombini L, Pelayo R, & Chervin RD. (2003). Sleepwalking and Sleep Terrors in Prepubertal Children. Pediatrics, 12509590.
Mayer G, Neissner V, Schwarzmayr P, & Meier-Ewert K. (1998). [Sleep deprivation in somnambulism. Effect of arousal, .... Der Nervenarzt, 9673973.

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