Sleepwalking, also known as somnambulism, is a behavior disorder that originates during deep sleep and results in walking or performing other complex behaviors while asleep. Although it is more common in children than adults, it can occur in adults as well. Sleepwalking is classified as a parasomnia, which is an undesirable behavior or experience during sleep. It is a disorder of arousal, meaning it occurs during N3 sleep, the deepest stage of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. The following are some factors that can contribute to sleepwalking:
- Sleep deprivation
- Stress
- Fever
- Sleep schedule disruptions, travel, or sleep interruptions
- Sleep-disordered breathing, such as obstructive sleep apnea
- Taking certain medications, such as hypnotics, sedatives, or certain medications
Sleepwalking can also be caused by underlying conditions that interfere with sleep, such as brain injury, encephalitis, and neurocognitive disorder. In addition, fever has been found to make sleepwalking more likely in children, and it may be related to an increased number of illness-driven arousals. Stress, sleep deprivation, certain medications, breathing disorders, and neurological factors can also trigger sleepwalking. Sleepwalking often runs in families, suggesting a genetic component.
