Health
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Somnambulism?

Laura Evans
Laura Evans

Somnambulism, or sleepwalking, is a condition where an individual gets up and walks while he is actually asleep. Most sleepwalkers are children between the ages of four and 12, although adults can also sleepwalk. Somnambulists, or those who sleepwalk, do not typically need medical treatment unless there is an underlying medical or psychological reason for the somnambulism.

Sleeping is a complex procedure. People experience rapid eye movement sleep (REM) typically when they dream, and non-rapid movement sleep (NREM) where people move into deep sleep. NREM sleep has four stages, Stage 1 when people feel drowsy, Stage 2 when people are in a light sleep, and Stages 3 and 4 when people are asleep deeply. Sleepwalking typically occurs during Stages 3 and 4 earlier in the night, or during REM sleep closer to the morning.

Most sleepwalkers are between the ages of four and twelve.
Most sleepwalkers are between the ages of four and twelve.

Somnambulists may walk through the house, perform repetitive tasks, open and close doors, and turn lights on and off. They may get completely dressed or drive a car. Sleepwalkers can have conversations that do not make sense. People who sleepwalk may not remember the incident when they awake.

No one knows exactly what causes somnambulism among children. Adults can sleepwalk if they take drugs that depress the central nervous system, as a result of seizures or because of psychological problems. The elderly may sleepwalk as a result of REM disorders. Somnambulism may also have a genetic factor as sleepwalking appears to run in families.

Some doctors suggest hypnosis to treat adult sleepwalkers.
Some doctors suggest hypnosis to treat adult sleepwalkers.

Children typically "grow out" of sleepwalking without needing medical treatment. Doctors may advise adults to take tests to determine if their somnambulism is related to an underlying medical or physical condition, such as sleep apnea. Physicians may also prescribe tranquilizers for a short period of time to help prevent sleepwalking incidents. In addition, some doctors suggest hypnosis to treat adult sleepwalkers.

Sleepwalkers may attempt to drive a car during an episode.
Sleepwalkers may attempt to drive a car during an episode.

The most important treatment for somnambulism is to prevent the person who is sleepwalking from getting hurt. People who sleepwalk can, and do, have accidents such as tripping or falling down stairs. The idea that person can't get injured while sleepwalking is a myth.

Another common myth about somnambulism is that a somnambulist should not be awakened during an episode. This is untrue. It is not dangerous for the somnambulist to be awakened during an incident, although the person may be disoriented or confused for a period of time after waking.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Most sleepwalkers are between the ages of four and twelve.
      By: Deyan Georgiev
      Most sleepwalkers are between the ages of four and twelve.
    • Some doctors suggest hypnosis to treat adult sleepwalkers.
      By: Sinisa Botas
      Some doctors suggest hypnosis to treat adult sleepwalkers.
    • Sleepwalkers may attempt to drive a car during an episode.
      By: Adrin Shamsudin
      Sleepwalkers may attempt to drive a car during an episode.
    • Sleepwalking typically occurs during stages 3 and 4 of sleep early in the night, or closer to the morning during REM sleep.
      By: Helder Almeida
      Sleepwalking typically occurs during stages 3 and 4 of sleep early in the night, or closer to the morning during REM sleep.
    • Doctors may prescribe tranquilizers to help prevent sleepwalking incidents.
      By: Monkey Business
      Doctors may prescribe tranquilizers to help prevent sleepwalking incidents.
    • Sleepwalking may cause a lack of restful sleep, and the sufferer may be exhausted the following day.
      By: Halfpoint
      Sleepwalking may cause a lack of restful sleep, and the sufferer may be exhausted the following day.