Can sleepwalking continue into adulthood?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Sleepwalking can persist into adulthood and, in some cases, begin during adult years. While often associated with childhood, adult-onset sleepwalking is a recognized condition that can be triggered by stress, sleep deprivation, medications, or underlying sleep disorders. The good news: sleepwalking is treatable through a range of approaches, including improved sleep hygiene, stress management, cognitive behavioral therapy, and, in some cases, medication.

Because sleepwalking in adults can signal an underlying health issue, understanding your specific symptoms is an important first step. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you identify possible causes, assess urgency, and guide your next steps—whether that's lifestyle changes or seeing a specialist. It takes just a few minutes and could bring you closer to restful, safer nights.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover what’s causing adult sleepwalking Learn if sleepwalking needs care today Find out if it could be serious See OTC options for sleepwalking-related injuries Find a doctor for sleepwalking treatment Discover home remedies for better sleep safety Understand likely causes of your sleepwalking

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Explanation

Sleepwalking, known as somnambulism, can indeed persist into adulthood or even begin during this time. While it is more common in children, adults can also experience it. Some adults may have had sleepwalking episodes as children that simply continued, while others might start experiencing them later in life.

Causes and Triggers

Chronic Stress: Stress and anxiety are known to trigger sleepwalking episodes.
Sleep Deprivation: Lack of sleep can increase the likelihood of sleepwalking.
Medications: Certain medications might induce sleepwalking as a side effect.

Treatment Options

Medication: Some medications can help manage sleepwalking in adults.
Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy might be beneficial in addressing underlying stress or anxiety.
Lifestyle Changes: Improving sleep hygiene, like having a regular sleep schedule, can reduce episodes.

If sleepwalking is causing significant distress or safety concerns, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable. To help identify potential underlying conditions or related symptoms, you can use this free AI symptom checker to get personalized insights about your health.

(References)

Guilleminault C, Kirisoglu C, Bao G, Arias V, Chan A, & Li KK. (2005). Adult chronic sleepwalking and its treatment based on .... Brain : a journal of neurology, 15817520.
Bargiotas P, Arnet I, Frei M, Baumann CR, Schindler K, & Bassetti CL. (2017). and Adult-Onset Sleepwalking in Adults. European neurology, 29073634.
Baldini T, Loddo G, Sessagesimi E, Mignani F, Cirignotta F, Mondini S, et al. (2019). A Window Into the Sleeping Brain. Frontiers in neurology, 31164861.

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