Can sleepwalking be a sign of REM sleep behavior disorder?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Sleepwalking is not a sign of REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD). Unlike RBD, which occurs during REM sleep when vivid dreams happen, sleepwalking takes place during non-REM sleep stages—typically deep, slow-wave sleep in the first third of the night. These are two distinct parasomnias with different causes, symptoms, and treatments.

If you or a loved one are experiencing unusual nighttime behaviors, it's worth understanding whether it's sleepwalking, RBD, or something else entirely. Getting clarity early can help you take the right next steps—whether that's improving sleep hygiene, adjusting medications, or speaking with a specialist. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what's going on and how to move forward with confidence.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover if sleepwalking could signal REM disorder See what’s causing your sleepwalking episodes Learn whether your sleepwalking needs care today Find OTC options for sleepwalking-related sleep issues Find a doctor for sleep disorders Discover safe home remedies for sleepwalking Understand if nighttime behaviors need medical evaluation

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Explanation

Sleepwalking and REM sleep behavior disorder are different sleep conditions. Sleepwalking, also known as somnambulism, typically occurs during non-REM sleep stages, particularly in the deeper stages of sleep. According to the provided references, sleepwalking is distinct from REM sleep behavior disorder, which occurs during the REM stage of sleep and involves acting out dreams.

Key Points:

Sleepwalking: This happens in non-REM sleep, often in the first few hours of the night. People may walk around and do activities without being aware.
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder: This occurs during REM sleep, which is when most dreaming happens. People may move or talk as they act out their dreams.

The references suggest that these two conditions are separate and occur during different sleep stages. If you or someone you know is experiencing unusual sleep behaviors or other concerning symptoms, you can use Ubie's free AI symptom checker to help identify potential causes and determine whether you should consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation.

(References)

Manni R, Terzaghi M, & Repetto A. (2008). The FLEP scale in diagnosing nocturnal frontal lobe .... Epilepsia, 18410366.
Drakatos P, Marples L, Muza R, Higgins S, Nesbitt A, Dongol EM, et al. (2019). Video polysomnographic findings in non-rapid eye .... Journal of sleep research, 30295353.

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