Do sleepwalkers remember their actions the next day?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Most sleepwalkers do not remember their actions the next morning. Sleepwalking, or somnambulism, occurs during deep non-REM sleep, when the brain is not forming memories. As a result, episodes—walking, talking, or performing routine tasks—are typically not recalled upon waking, even if others witnessed the behavior.

If you or a loved one is experiencing unexplained sleepwalking, memory gaps, or disrupted sleep, understanding the cause is the first step toward better rest and peace of mind. Sleep disturbances can stem from stress, medications, or underlying medical conditions—and identifying the trigger early can make treatment far more effective. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to explore possible causes and confidently plan your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if sleepwalking affects memory retention Discover why sleepwalking may cause memory gaps Find out if symptoms suggest a sleep disorder See OTC options for sleep-related issues Find a doctor for sleepwalking concerns Discover home remedies for sleepwalking safely Understand if sleepwalking needs urgent care

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Explanation

Sleepwalking is a condition where people get up and walk around while they are still asleep. According to the research, most sleepwalkers do not remember their actions because they are not fully awake during these episodes.

Why don't they remember?

Partial Consciousness: During sleepwalking, a person is in a state between being asleep and awake. This means their brain is not fully aware of what they are doing.
Memory Formation: Since the brain is not fully awake, it doesn't form memories of the actions taken during sleepwalking.
Non-REM Sleep: Sleepwalking usually happens during a part of sleep called non-REM sleep, which is not usually associated with vivid dreaming or memory recall.

In summary, because sleepwalkers are not fully conscious and their brains are not forming memories in the usual way, they typically do not remember their actions the next day. If you or someone you know is experiencing sleepwalking and it is causing concern, you can use this free AI symptom checker to help understand your symptoms and determine whether you should seek professional medical guidance.

(References)

Popat S, & Winslade W. (2015). While You Were Sleepwalking: Science and Neurobiology .... Neuroethics, 4506454.
Castelnovo A, Loddo G, Provini F, Miano S, & Manconi M. (2021). Mental Activity During Episodes of Sleepwalking, Night .... Nature and Science of Sleep, 8232850.
Siclari F. (2024). Consciousness in non‐REM‐parasomnia episodes - PMC. Journal of Sleep Research, 11744254.

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