What exactly is sleepwalking, and how does it occur?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Sleepwalking (somnambulism) is a sleep disorder where a person walks or performs activities while still asleep, typically with no memory of the event afterward. It occurs during the deep, non-REM stage of sleep and is most common in children, though adults can experience it too.

Common causes and triggers include:

Genetics — sleepwalking often runs in families
Sleep deprivation — lack of quality rest increases risk
Stress and anxiety — emotional strain disrupts sleep cycles
Fever or illness — especially in children
Certain medications — sedatives and some sleep aids
Underlying sleep disorders — such as sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome

While occasional sleepwalking is often harmless, frequent episodes may signal an underlying health issue worth investigating. If you or a loved one is experiencing sleepwalking, take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand possible causes and get personalized guidance on next steps — all in just a few minutes, no signup required.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

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Explanation

Sleepwalking, also known as somnambulism, is a behavior disorder that originates during deep sleep and results in walking or performing other complex behaviors while asleep. It is considered a type of parasomnia, which is an undesired occurrence during sleep.

How It Happens:

Sleep Stages: Sleepwalking typically occurs during the non-REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep stages, particularly during the slow-wave sleep (SWS) phase, which is the deepest stage of sleep.
Triggers: Factors that can trigger sleepwalking include genetics, stress, sleep deprivation, and certain medications. It is more common in children but can happen at any age.

Characteristics:

Actions: During a sleepwalking episode, a person may sit up in bed, walk around, or even leave the house. They usually have their eyes open with a glassy stare.
Memory: Most sleepwalkers do not remember their actions upon waking.

Sleepwalking is generally not dangerous, but it can lead to injury if the person trips or falls. If you or someone you know is experiencing sleepwalking or other concerning sleep-related symptoms, take our free AI symptom checker to better understand your condition and ensure a safe environment while considering whether to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

(References)

Zadra A, Desautels A, Petit D, & Montplaisir J. (2013). Somnambulism: clinical aspects and pathophysiological .... The Lancet. Neurology, 23415568.
Nomura T. (2025). [Parasomnias Excluded RBD]. Brain and nerve = Shinkei kenkyu no shinpo, 41097923.
Gill JS, Pillai SK, Koh OH, & Jambunathan ST. (2011). Low dose quetiapine in the treatment of an adolescent with .... Acta neurologica Belgica, 21748939.

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