Is sleepwalking more common in children than adults?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Sleepwalking is significantly more common in children than in adults. Research shows that up to 15% of children experience sleepwalking episodes, while only about 1.5% to 4% of adults are affected. Most children naturally outgrow sleepwalking by adolescence as their nervous systems mature and sleep patterns stabilize.

If sleepwalking is disrupting your life or a loved one's, it's worth understanding what's driving it. Underlying factors like sleep deprivation, stress, fever, or certain medications can trigger episodes—and pinpointing the cause is the first step toward better sleep. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to gain personalized insights and confidently navigate your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if sleepwalking needs medical care Discover likely causes of sleepwalking episodes Find out if sleepwalking is serious See OTC options for sleepwalking safety Find a sleep specialist near you Understand home remedies for sleepwalking prevention Check if sleepwalking signals a bigger problem

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Explanation

Sleepwalking happens more often in kids than in grown-ups. According to the studies, many children experience sleepwalking, but most of them grow out of it as they get older.

Key Points:

Children: Sleepwalking is common among kids. Many children may walk around in their sleep, and it usually happens during deep sleep.
Adults: Fewer adults sleepwalk compared to kids. As people grow, the chances of sleepwalking tend to decrease.

Understanding sleepwalking can help families manage it better. It is important to ensure the environment is safe for a child who sleepwalks, like making sure doors and windows are locked. If you have concerns about sleepwalking or related symptoms, you can use Ubie's free AI symptom checker to better understand what might be happening and when to seek medical advice.

(References)

Hublin C, Kaprio J, Partinen M, Heikkilä K, & Koskenvuo M. (1997). Prevalence and genetics of sleepwalking: a population- .... Neurology, 9008515.
Stallman HM, & Kohler M. (2016). Prevalence of Sleepwalking: A Systematic Review and .... PloS one, 27832078.
Soldatos CR, & Lugaresi E. (1987). Nosology and prevalence of sleep disorders. Seminars in neurology, 3332458.

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