Sleepwalking Disorder

Alternate Names : Somnambulism, Noctambulation

Sleepwalking is a sleep disorder in which sleeping and waking states are combined. The individual partially wakes from deep sleep and carries out some type of activity. Often this is walking, but other detailed activities may be performed.

What is going on in the body?

Sleepwalking involves complex motor acts. It occurs mainly during the first third of the night. Sleepwalking occurs during stage 3 or stage 4 sleep. It does not occur during rapid eye movement, or REM, sleep.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

No one knows the exact cause of sleepwalking. It often runs in families. Sleepwalking that starts at an early age typically goes away as the child gets older. Fifteen percent of normal children between the ages of 5 and 15 years old sleepwalk.