14292 Sleepwalking

Overview

Sleepwalking is when a person gets up and walks around while still asleep. It happens during deep sleep, and the person often has a blank expression, does not respond to others, and has no memory of the event the next morning.

Yes, sleepwalking is quite common. Around 1 in 10 children will sleepwalk at some point, and it is less common in adults, affecting about 1 to 4 in 100 adults.

Sleepwalking can affect anyone, but it is most common in children aged 4 to 12. It may run in families. Adults can also sleepwalk, often triggered by stress, lack of sleep, or certain medications.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Sitting up in bed and repeating movements
• Walking around the room or house with eyes open but a blank stare
• Performing routine tasks such as getting dressed or moving furniture
• Talking or mumbling in a confused way
• Not responding when spoken to
• Having no memory of the event in the morning

Symptoms in children

• Children may sit up, look confused, and walk around their bedroom or the house.
• They might do simple, repetitive actions like opening doors or rearranging toys.
• They usually do not remember waking or walking and may just seem extra tired the next day.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may begin to sleepwalk as a reaction to certain medicines, health conditions, or confusion at night.
• They are at higher risk of falling or injuring themselves while sleepwalking.
• Sleepwalking that starts in older age should be discussed with a doctor, as it can be linked to other sleep or neurological issues.

Causes

Main causes

• Sleep deprivation or not enough good-quality sleep
• Deep sleep transitions that trigger partial awakenings
• Genetics – sleepwalking often runs in families
• Fever, especially in children
• Stress or anxiety
• Some medicines and alcohol
• Underlying sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnoea or restless legs syndrome

Risk factors

• Being a child (especially ages 4 to 12)
• Having a family history of sleepwalking
• Irregular sleep schedule or not enough sleep
• High stress or emotional upset
• Consuming alcohol or certain medications before bed
• Conditions that cause fragmented sleep, like sleep apnoea or fever

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If sleepwalking leads to dangerous behaviour, injury, or a feeling of being unsafe
• If the episodes are very frequent and disrupt the whole household
• If sleepwalking starts for the first time in an adult, especially with confusion or unusual behaviour

Book a routine appointment if:

• If sleepwalking is affecting your sleep, mood, or daytime energy
• If you are worried about the cause of the sleepwalking
• If your child sleepwalks and you would like reassurance and safety advice

Diagnosis

A doctor usually diagnoses sleepwalking by listening to a description from someone who has seen the episodes. They may ask about sleep routines, stress, recent illnesses, and any medicines. They will also check whether there could be another sleep disorder causing the behaviour.

Tests that may be done

• Keeping a sleep diary for a couple of weeks
• Questions for a partner or family member about what happens at night
• A sleep study (polysomnography) if episodes are frequent, severe, or complex – this is done in a sleep clinic and measures brain waves, breathing, and movement during sleep
• Blood tests if there could be an underlying medical cause

What to expect at your appointment

Your GP will ask you about the sleepwalking episodes and any possible triggers. They may ask you to keep a sleep diary. For most people, no special tests are needed. If the GP wants more information, they may refer you to a sleep specialist.

Treatment

Treatment focuses on staying safe, improving sleep habits, and addressing any underlying causes like sleep apnoea or stress. Most people do not need any specific medical treatment, and simple safety changes at home are often the most helpful step.

Self-care at home

• Make sure you get enough sleep each night, as sleep deprivation is a common trigger.
• Keep a regular sleep schedule, even on weekends.
• Create a calm, relaxing bedtime routine.
• Make the bedroom safe – lock windows and doors, remove sharp or fragile objects, and clear floors of clutter.
• Use door alarms or motion sensors if you need extra peace of mind.
• Try gentle relaxation exercises, such as deep breathing, before bed.

Medical treatments

If sleepwalking is severe or persistent, a doctor may consider techniques such as scheduled waking (gently waking the person just before the time when sleepwalking usually starts). In rare cases, a specialist may prescribe medication, but this is only after a full assessment and is tailored to the individual. No medication should be taken without a proper medical consultation, and any medicine is prescribed by a qualified healthcare provider.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not a treatment for sleepwalking itself. It is only considered if a separate condition, such as severe obstructive sleep apnoea, is identified and needs surgical treatment – and even then, this would be decided by a specialist.

Living with this condition

Living with sleepwalking means putting safety first and keeping a calm, predictable sleep routine. If you share a home, make sure family members know not to wake a sleepwalker loudly, but to quietly guide them back to bed. It helps to talk openly about sleepwalking so no one feels embarrassed or scared.

Lifestyle tips

• Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and heavy meals in the evening.
• Keep screens and bright lights out of the bedroom.
• Find ways to manage stress, such as talking to a friend, journaling, or mindfulness.
• Try a warm bath or light reading before bed to wind down.

Diet and exercise

Regular physical activity helps improve sleep, but avoid vigorous exercise right before bedtime. A balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein supports overall health. Try not to eat a large meal within two hours of going to sleep, and stay hydrated during the day while limiting fluids close to bedtime.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Sleepwalking can cause embarrassment, anxiety, or frustration, and it may disturb sleep for both the person and their family. It is normal to feel concerned. Talking with a healthcare professional about your worries can help, and getting enough sleep often improves mood and reduces episodes.

Prevention

Sleepwalking cannot always be prevented, but you can reduce the chance of episodes by getting enough sleep, keeping a regular sleep schedule, reducing stress, and avoiding alcohol and caffeine in the evening. Making the bedroom safe also helps prevent injuries even if sleepwalking does happen.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine for sleepwalking.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for sleepwalking, but a doctor may suggest a sleep study if the episodes are frequent or severe.

Complications

If left untreated

• Injuries from falls, bumping into objects, or trying to leave the home
• Disrupted sleep for the person and their family
• Daytime sleepiness and tiredness
• Confusion or worry about the sleepwalking behaviour
• In very rare cases, more complex or dangerous actions during sleep

Long-term outlook

The outlook for sleepwalking is positive. Most children grow out of it, and for adults, improving sleep habits and addressing triggers often reduces or stops episodes. Even when sleepwalking continues, simple safety measures can keep everyone safe. If you are concerned, speak to a healthcare professional – help and reassurance are available.

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