Sleepwalking

Sleepwalking usually occurs early in the night — often 1 to 2 hours after falling asleep. It isn’t likely to happen during naps, but it is possible. A bout of sleepwalking can occur rarely or often. A bout generally lasts several minutes, but it can last longer.

People who sleepwalk may:

• Get out of bed and walk around.
• Sit up in bed and open their eyes.
• Have a glazed, glassy-eyed expression.
• Not respond or talk to others.
• Be hard to wake up.
• Be confused for a short time after waking up.
• Not remember in the morning that they sleepwalked.
• Have problems functioning during the day because of disturbed sleep.
• Also have sleep terrors that cause screaming and waving of arms and legs.

Sometimes, people who sleepwalk will:

• Do routine activities, such as getting dressed, talking or eating.
• Leave the house.
• Drive a car.
• Take part in unusual behavior, such as passing urine in a closet.
• Take part in sexual activity without being aware of it.
• Get injured, such as by falling down the stairs or jumping out a window.
• Become violent while briefly confused after waking up or once in a while sleepwalking.

When to see a doctor

Occasional bouts of sleepwalking aren’t usually a cause for concern. They usually go away on their own. You can simply mention the sleepwalking at a routine physical or well-child exam.

See your healthcare professional if the bouts of sleepwalking:

• Happen often — for example, more than 1 to 2 times a week or several times a night.
• Lead to dangerous behavior or injuries to those who sleepwalk or others.
• Disturb the sleep of household members or those who sleepwalk.
• Lead to being very tired during the day or causing problems in daily life activities, such as at school or work.
• Continue into your child’s teen years or start for the first time as an adult.