When someone sleepwalking, a type of parasomnia where a person performs complex behaviors while still asleep. Also known as noctambulism, it’s not just a quirk—it’s a real sleep disorder that can lead to injuries, confusion, and disrupted lives. You might see someone get out of bed, walk around, talk, or even do chores—none of it makes sense when they wake up. They won’t remember a thing. This isn’t dreaming. It’s the brain stuck between deep sleep and wakefulness.
Sleepwalking often runs in families, and it’s more common in kids than adults. Stress, sleep deprivation, fever, or certain medications can trigger it. If someone in your home sleepwalks, you need to know how to protect them. Lock windows, remove tripping hazards, and don’t try to wake them abruptly—that can cause panic or aggression. Instead, gently guide them back to bed. For adults, sleepwalking can signal underlying issues like sleep apnea, PTSD, or even side effects from medications like zolpidem or antidepressants. It’s not always harmless.
Related conditions like night terrors, intense episodes of fear during deep sleep, often with screaming or thrashing can look similar but are different in timing and behavior. While night terrors usually happen in the first third of the night and involve screaming, sleepwalking tends to occur later, during deeper stages of sleep. Both are types of parasomnia, a category of sleep disorders involving abnormal movements, behaviors, emotions, or perceptions during sleep. If sleepwalking happens often, or if there’s risk of harm, a sleep study might be needed. Doctors can check for brain activity patterns, breathing issues, or other disorders that might be contributing.
Most kids outgrow sleepwalking by puberty. But for adults, it’s not something to ignore. Lifestyle changes—like sticking to a regular sleep schedule, reducing caffeine, and managing stress—can cut episodes dramatically. In rare cases, doctors may prescribe low-dose benzodiazepines or antidepressants, but those are last-resort options. The real fix? Safety first, then sleep hygiene. You can’t control sleepwalking, but you can control the environment around it.
Below, you’ll find practical guides on medications that can trigger sleepwalking, how to recognize dangerous patterns, and what to do when a loved one is at risk. These aren’t just theories—they’re real-world tips from people who’ve lived through it, and doctors who’ve treated it.
Nov, 17 2025
Sleepwalking and night terrors are common but often misunderstood sleep disorders. Learn practical, evidence-based strategies to manage episodes safely, reduce frequency, and protect your family-without relying on medication.
