Sleepwalking in Adults: Why It Happens and How to Stay Safe

Sleepwalking isn't just for children—many adults walk, talk, and perform complex behaviors while completely asleep. Discover what triggers adult sleepwalking and essential strategies to prevent injuries.

You might think sleepwalking is something only children do, but an estimated 3.6% of adults in the US experience sleepwalking, with some performing surprisingly complex tasks—cooking, driving, or even leaving the house—while completely asleep. Adult sleepwalking can be dangerous and signals that something is disrupting your deep sleep.

What Is Sleepwalking?

Sleepwalking (somnambulism) is a parasomnia in which a person gets up and walks around while still in a sleep state. It typically occurs during the deep, slow-wave stages of non-REM sleep, usually in the first third of the night when deep sleep is most concentrated.

Behaviors during sleepwalking can include:

• Sitting up in bed with eyes open but glazed
• Walking around the house
• Talking (often incoherently)
• Performing routine tasks (dressing, eating, cleaning)
• Opening doors and leaving the house
• Driving (in rare cases)
• Eating unusual foods or non-food items
• Urinating in inappropriate places

Sleepwalkers typically have no memory of their actions upon waking.

The Science Behind Sleepwalking

What's Happening in the Brain

During sleepwalking:

• Parts of the brain remain in deep sleep (slow-wave sleep)
• Motor areas become partially active
• The prefrontal cortex (judgment, awareness) stays asleep
• The result is a dissociated state: physical activity without conscious awareness

When It Occurs

Sleepwalking most commonly occurs:

• During the first 2-3 hours after falling asleep
• During transitions from deep sleep to lighter sleep
• When something triggers a partial arousal from deep sleep

What Causes Adult Sleepwalking?

Sleep Deprivation

Sleep deprivation is the most common trigger. When you're overtired, your brain compensates by increasing the depth and intensity of slow-wave sleep, making partial arousals more likely.

Sleep Disorders

• Sleep apnea: Breathing disruptions trigger arousals from deep sleep
• Restless leg syndrome: Leg movements can trigger partial arousals
• Periodic limb movement disorder: Similar arousal mechanism

Medications and Substances

• Sedative-hypnotic medications (some sleep aids)
• Certain antipsychotics and antidepressants
• Alcohol (especially in combination with sleep deprivation)
• Recreational drugs

Other Triggers

• Fever and illness
• Stress and anxiety
• Irregular sleep schedules
• Sleeping in unfamiliar environments
• Noise or other external disturbances during deep sleep
• Full bladder

Genetic Factors

Sleepwalking has a strong genetic component:

• If one parent sleepwalks, children have a 45% chance
• If both parents sleepwalk, children have a 60% chance
• Identical twins are more likely to both sleepwalk than fraternal twins

Dangers of Sleepwalking

Unlike some other parasomnias, sleepwalking can be genuinely dangerous:

• Falls: Especially down stairs or from windows
• Leaving the house: Risk of exposure, traffic, getting lost
• Driving: Extremely dangerous sleep-driving cases exist
• Kitchen hazards: Burns, cuts from cooking while asleep
• Self-injury: Walking into furniture, walls, or glass doors
• Violence: Rarely, sleepwalkers may react aggressively if startled

Safety Precautions

If you or someone in your household sleepwalks:

Secure the Environment

• Install locks or alarms on exterior doors (high, out of reach)
• Block stairways with gates
• Remove sharp objects and obstacles from walking paths
• Lock away car keys
• Secure windows, especially on upper floors
• Remove tripping hazards (rugs, cords, clutter)

Bedroom Safety

• Sleep on the ground floor if possible
• Use a low bed or mattress on the floor
• Consider motion-sensor alarms to alert others
• Remove furniture with sharp corners near the bed

If You Encounter a Sleepwalker

• Don't try to wake them—it can cause confusion and distress
• Gently guide them back to bed
• Remove them from any dangerous situations
• Speak in calm, quiet tones
• Don't shout, shake, or physically restrain them

Treatment and Prevention

Address Sleep Deprivation

The most effective prevention:

• Get adequate sleep (use our Sleep Calculator)
• Maintain consistent sleep and wake times
• Don't cut sleep short during the week
• Address sleep debt gradually

Treat Underlying Conditions

• Get evaluated for sleep apnea
• Address restless leg syndrome if present
• Review medications that might trigger episodes
• Treat any underlying anxiety or stress

Sleep Hygiene

• Follow a consistent bedtime routine
• Avoid alcohol, especially before bed
• Empty your bladder before sleep
• Create an optimal sleep environment
• Limit caffeine and avoid it in the afternoon

Scheduled Awakenings

For children and adults with predictable sleepwalking times:

• Track when episodes typically occur
• Wake the sleepwalker briefly 15-30 minutes before the usual time
• This disrupts the sleep cycle that leads to sleepwalking
• Continue for several weeks, then gradually discontinue

Medical Treatments

For severe cases, doctors may prescribe:

• Benzodiazepines (clonazepam is commonly used)
• Certain antidepressants
• Melatonin (particularly in children)

These are typically reserved for cases with significant safety concerns or when other approaches haven't worked.

Hypnotherapy

Some studies suggest hypnotherapy can be effective for sleepwalking, particularly in children. It's generally safe and may be worth trying before medications.

When to Seek Medical Help

Consult a doctor or sleep specialist if sleepwalking:

• Begins for the first time in adulthood
• Results in injuries or near-misses
• Involves leaving the house or dangerous behaviors
• Occurs frequently (multiple times per week)
• Is accompanied by excessive daytime sleepiness
• Significantly affects quality of life
• Doesn't respond to improved sleep habits

Sleepwalking vs. REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

It's important to distinguish sleepwalking from REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD):

RBD can be an early sign of neurodegenerative conditions and requires medical evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it dangerous to wake a sleepwalker?

It's not physically dangerous, but it can cause confusion, disorientation, and distress. It's better to gently guide them back to bed without fully waking them.

Do sleepwalkers remember their actions?

Typically no. Most sleepwalkers have no memory or only vague fragments of what occurred during an episode.

Can adults develop sleepwalking if they never had it as a child?

Yes. Adult-onset sleepwalking is less common but can occur, often triggered by sleep deprivation, medications, or underlying sleep disorders.

Will I sleepwalk forever?

Not necessarily. Many adults find that sleepwalking decreases or stops when triggers (sleep deprivation, stress, alcohol) are addressed.

Can sleepwalking be cured?

There's no definitive cure, but episodes can often be significantly reduced or eliminated through proper sleep habits, treating underlying conditions, and in some cases, medication.

Is sleepwalking hereditary?

Yes, there's a strong genetic component. Having a parent who sleepwalks significantly increases your risk.

Can stress cause sleepwalking?

Stress itself doesn't directly cause sleepwalking but can trigger episodes in those already predisposed, often by disrupting sleep quality and increasing arousals from deep sleep.

Conclusion

Adult sleepwalking is more common than many realize, and while often harmless, it can pose significant safety risks. The good news is that addressing sleep deprivation and other triggers can dramatically reduce or eliminate episodes for most people.

Start by ensuring you get adequate sleep using our Sleep Calculator, maintain consistent schedules, and avoid known triggers like alcohol and irregular sleep patterns. If episodes are frequent or dangerous, don't hesitate to seek medical evaluation—underlying conditions like sleep apnea may be contributing.

With proper precautions and attention to sleep health, most sleepwalkers can minimize their risk and sleep more safely.