Have you ever woken up to someone walking around the house like a ghost, staring at nothing in particular? In fact, this phenomenon has a name: sleepwalking, or somnambulism. It’s a sleep disorder in which people get up and walk around, likely while still in a deep sleep, often during the non-REM (non-rapid eye movement) phase. This may seem funny or harmless at first, but the reality is, sleepwalking can be a dangerous situation for both the person sleepwalking and those nearby.
Sleepwalking is much more prevalent in children than it is in adults, but that doesn’t let grown-ups off the hook. Adults can also have it, often as the result of medical or psychological conditions. In this blog, we will be covering what causes sleepwalking, how to tell sleepwalking apart from other sleep disturbances, the risks involved with sleepwalking, and most importantly—how it can be managed or treated.
Understanding Sleepwalking Disorder
It is vital to make a distinction between the occasional incident of sleepwalking and sleepwalking disorder, a more chronic condition. Many people sleepwalk once or twice in their lives—sometimes as children—but people with the disorder have recurrent and sometimes dangerous episodes.
Sleepwalking is considered a parasomnia, or an abnormal activity during sleep. It typically happens in the first few hours after going to sleep, when the brain moves from deep sleep to lighter stages. In fact, research suggests that 15% of children endure at least a single event, compared with an estimated 1–4% of adults who might have repeated episodes.
Why Do People Sleepwalk?
Genetics play a big role. If one or both parents did, there’s an excellent chance their child will. But genetics is not the only piece of the puzzle.
Primary causes include:
- Sleep deprivation —Poor or inconsistent sleeping patterns increase the chances of episodes.
- Stress and anxiety – Emotional tension can significantly impact one’s sleep quality; it can even cause sleepwalking.
Secondary triggers may include:
- Fever or sickness – High temperatures can disrupt deep sleep, especially in children.
- Medications — Some sedatives or sleep-inducing medications may disrupt natural sleep stages.
- Alcohol — Too much before bed alters the sleep cycle.
- Pre-existing conditions – Conditions such as sleep apnoea or restless leg syndrome may heighten vulnerability.
Sleepwalking in Childhood
Children are particularly susceptible to sleepwalking, with episodes generally peaking between ages 4 and 8. This is mainly because kids spend more time in deep sleep than grown-ups do, the stage when sleepwalking most often happens. Most children with the condition will outgrow it by their teen years.
To help concerned parents, here are some practical safety tips:
- Put all doors and windows on lockdown.
- Use safety gates on staircases.
- Diminish sleep deprivation by having a regular bedtime routine.
- Refrain from engaging in stimulating activities or screens in the hours leading up to bedtime.
While it can be alarming to see, sleepwalking among children is generally benign and typically does not need to be treated by a doctor.
Reasons for Sleepwalking in Adults
Adult sleepwalking is rarer, but tends to be more complicated. Stress, anxiety and poor mental health are all contributory factors. Medical conditions including migraines, head injuries and seizures have also been associated with episodes of sleepwalking.
In adults, drugs—particularly sedatives, some antidepressants and antihistamines—can be a factor, too. Common suspects include sleep disorders, like insomnia or obstructive sleep apnoea.
There’s also some emerging evidence linking adult sleepwalking with neurological conditions, so it’s especially important for adults to see a medical professional if episodes happen regularly.
Is Sleepwalking a Sign of Mental Illness?
One of the most common misconceptions about sleepwalking is that it is always associated with mental illness. This isn’t the case. Intermittent sleepwalking is not usually an indication of psychological issues. But chronic or violent sleepwalking episodes could have associations with underlying psychiatric conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or panic disorders.
More severe cases of sleepwalking can be accompanied by emotional upset, occur frequently, or pose a danger to safety and warrant assessment by a healthcare professional.
Dangers and Risks of Sleepwalking
Although most people think of sleepwalking as light-hearted stories, the truth is it’s potentially deadly. Risks include:
- Physical injuries – Falls, bumps, or accidents can happen while sleepwalking, especially on stairs or in unfamiliar locations.
- Potential harm to others — In rare cases, some individuals may exhibit aggressive behaviour during episodes.
- Sleep disruption – Repeated incidents can result in poor sleep quality and chronic daytime exhaustion.
- Emotional impact — Embarrassment, anxiety or fear of another episode can impact mental health.
How to Stop Sleepwalking (Treatment and Prevention Strategies)
For most people, better general sleep can go a long way toward reducing episodes:
Lifestyle changes:
- Stick to a set sleep schedule.
- Establish a wind-down routine before bed (such as reading, soaking in a warm bath).
- Avoid alcohol and large meals before bed.
- Engage in relaxation techniques such as mindfulness or deep breathing.
Medical interventions:
- Manage any underlying conditions (such as sleep apnoea, acid reflux).
- In serious cases, some medications including benzodiazepines and low-dose antidepressants may be prescribed under supervision.
Safety measures at home:
- Lock windows and external doors.
- Install motion sensors or door alarms.
- Clear the sleep environment of sharp objects or debris.
At Chase Lodge Hospital, if episodes are frequent or severe, we also recommend a sleep study (polysomnography) to assess brain activity during sleep .
When to See a Doctor
If sleepwalking is happening more than once a week, results in injury, or is linked with strange behaviour , such as leaving the house or aggressive outbursts, it may be time to seek medical assistance.
Refer to NHS guidance or speak to your GP. You might need to see a sleep specialist to rule out other disorders and possible treatment.
🡺 NHS Sleepwalking Resource — https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sleepwalking
Conclusion
Sleepwalking can be a strange and unsettling phenomenon—for the person experiencing it and those around them (Gender-neutral). Whether it’s a passing phase in childhood or a more chronic condition in adulthood, sleepwalking shouldn’t be overlooked. Knowing what causes it, identifying the risks and actively helping manage it can result in better sleep and enhanced general health.
At Chase Lodge Hospital, we specialise in helping people just like you get proper sleep so that you can lead a healthy life. If you or someone you love is having frequent episodes, don’t wait—talk to a sleep specialist today.
Sleep safe, sleep sound.
