What Causes Sleepwalking?

Also known as somnambulism, sleepwalking is a condition where a person walks or moves around as if they are awake, when they are actually asleep. Sleepwalkers may perform a variety of activities while asleep, including getting dressed, going to the bathroom, eating, or moving furniture.

This condition most commonly occurs in children. Because sleepwalking can lead to falls and injuries, seeking treatment and taking safety measures around your home are vital if you or someone you live with experiences this behavior.

What Causes Sleepwalking?

Sleepwalking can be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as restless leg syndrome, obstructive sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease, or migraine headaches. Your doctor may wish to test you for these treatable conditions.

Sleepwalking does have a genetic link. If your parents have a history of sleepwalking, chances are you may sleepwalk as well.

In rare cases, certain medications can cause sleepwalking. These include the sleep medication zolpidem, known by the brand names Ambien and Edluar, as well as certain antihistamines.

What Are the Symptoms of Sleepwalking?

Sleepwalking most commonly occurs in children ages 4 to 8. It’s most likely to take place during deep nonrapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and early in the night — about one to two hours after going to sleep.

Symptoms can vary from person to person, but may include sitting up in bed and opening and closing your eyes, having a glazed-over or glassy expression in your eyes, walking around your home performing everyday activities, such as turning the lights on or off, or speaking or moving in a way that does not make sense.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, you can and should awaken a sleepwalker while they’re sleepwalking. Wake them gently so as not to startle them. However, a sleepwalking person is typically difficult to wake and will at first be confused about where they are. Gently lead the individual back to their bed.

Most sleepwalkers have no recollection of their sleepwalking episodes.

Sleepwalking doesn’t typically occur during a nap because the sleep achieved isn’t deep enough.

How Is Sleepwalking Diagnosed?

Sleepwalking isn’t always a cause for concern. Most children grow out of it. However, if your sleepwalking has led to injury or if you frequently experience several sleepwalking episodes in a row, you may want to see a doctor to rule out any potential medical conditions that may be causing the problem.

Make a sleep diary to help you prepare for your appointment. You can write down the foods or drinks you consumed before sleeping, how long you slept, and any other symptoms you experienced while sleepwalking.

Because you may not be aware of the full extent of your sleepwalking symptoms, talk to others in your household about your sleepwalking patterns. Ask them to describe your symptoms, and record these in your sleep diary as well.

If your doctor suspects that you may have a sleep disorder, they may recommend you undergo a sleep study. This involves sleep specialists monitoring your brain waves, heart rhythms, and other vital signs while you’re asleep. This information can help your doctor diagnose any potential sleep disorders.

What Are the Treatment Options for Sleepwalking?

Medication and other medical treatments for sleepwalking typically aren’t necessary. If you have a child who is prone to sleepwalking, you can gently redirect them back to bed.

Treating the underlying medical condition causing sleepwalking, such as restless leg syndrome, may help minimize sleepwalking episodes. This is why you may want to see your doctor if sleepwalking is a persistent issue. You’ll want to ensure that there’s no underlying medical issue causing the problem.

Because you’re not as aware of your surroundings when you’re asleep, you risk injuring yourself, particularly by tripping and falling. If you’re prone to sleepwalking, you may need to evaluate your home for potential hazards that could lead to tripping. This includes taping electrical cords against the wall, locking doors and windows before going to bed, and keeping furniture out of any pathways. If you have an upstairs bedroom, you also may need to gate off your stairs to prevent falling down them.

Medication

If your sleepwalking continues, medications such as benzodiazepines or antidepressants may help to reduce sleepwalking episodes. Benzodiazepines are medications that commonly treat anxiety, but they have also been found useful in treating sleep disorders as well. Clonazepam (Klonopin) and diazepam (Valium), in particular, are useful in reducing sleepwalking episodes. Antidepressants and benzodiazepines may both help reduce an individual’s stress and anxiety —factors that increase the likelihood of sleepwalking.

Hypnosis

Hypnosis, an alternative therapy, is helpful to some sleepwalking patients. Hypnosis involves bringing an individual into a very relaxed and focused state of mind. Then the therapist will make healthy suggestions tailored to the individual’s medical issue. The belief is that these suggestions will sink into the individual’s consciousness in a deeper, more meaningful way because they are more open to receiving them.

How Can I Prevent Sleepwalking?

Certain factors seem to decrease the likelihood that a sleepwalking episode will occur. These include lifestyle changes, such as minimizing stress, anxiety, or conflict. Doing something that relaxes you before going to sleep, such as reading a book, listening to music, or taking a warm bath, may help reduce your chances of a sleepwalking episode.

Severe exhaustion can also lead to sleepwalking. Making every effort to get enough sleep at night can help. It may help to make a sleep schedule (going to bed and waking at the same time) a priority. Also, avoid drinking caffeine or alcohol before going to bed. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that can actually trigger sleepwalking.

8 possible conditions for sleepwalking

Fatigue

Fatigue is a term used to describe an overall feeling of tiredness or lack of energy. It isn't the same as simply feeling drowsy or sleepy. When you're fatigued, you…

Fever

Fever is also known as hyperthermia, pyrexia, or elevated temperature. It describes a body temperature that's higher than normal. Fever can affect children and adults…

Anxiety

Migraine

Learn about migraine types, symptoms, triggers, and treatments as well as how they are different from regular headaches.

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) can cause unpleasant sensations in the legs and an intense urge to move them. Learn why this happens and how to manage it.

What is Cocaine Addiction?

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, about 15 percent of people in the U.S. have tried cocaine. Find out more about the effects of addiction.

Organic Brain Syndrome

Learn about the symptoms, causes, risk factors, and treatment for neurocognitive disorders (formerly called organic brain syndrome).

Focal Onset Seizures (Partial Seizures)

The human brain works by sending electrical signals through neurons, which are nerve cells. A seizure occurs when there's a surge in this electrical activity.

This feature is for informational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose. Please consult a healthcare professional if you have health concerns.