Sleepwalking (Somnambulism)
Updated June 2026
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Last updated: June 2026 - Reviewed by the Apexzen editorial team
Part of: Sleep Disorders Atlas > Parasomnias
What is it? Sleepwalking is a disorder that causes a person to get up and walk around while in a state of deep sleep. A sleepwalker is not conscious of their actions and will have little to no memory of the event on waking. It is most common in children but can persist into adulthood.
The symptoms to recognize
- Sitting up in bed and looking around
- Walking or moving around the house
- Performing routine activities like getting dressed or making food, usually clumsily
- Speaking or mumbling with a glassy-eyed, blank expression
- Being hard to wake during an episode, and confused if awakened
- No memory of the episode the next morning
What actually helps
Safety is the number one priority. Secure the environment: lock doors and windows, remove tripping hazards, block access to stairs, and keep car keys and anything dangerous out of easy reach. It is generally advised not to forcefully wake a sleepwalker, but to gently guide them back to bed.
For the individual, focus on getting adequate, consistent sleep and managing stress or anxiety, since sleep deprivation and stress are common triggers. Good sleep hygiene supports this, but no supplement is a treatment for sleepwalking - the core levers are safety, sleep consistency, and reducing triggers.
When to see a specialist
Consult a specialist if episodes are frequent (for example, more than once or twice a week), involve dangerous behavior (such as trying to leave the house or use kitchen appliances), or cause significant daytime sleepiness or major disruption for the family. A specialist can check for triggers such as another sleep disorder and advise on management.
Talk to a specialist
Secure the environment first, then get assessed if it is frequent or dangerous
If episodes are recurrent or risky, ask your doctor for a referral to a sleep specialist. They can look for underlying triggers - including another sleep disorder - and tailor a management plan.
Not sure where your sleep goes wrong?
Our 2-minute Chronotype Quiz maps your sleep profile and points you to the routine that fits it. It is a starting point for self-awareness, not a substitute for a medical diagnosis.
Take the Chronotype QuizFrequently asked questions
Should I wake a sleepwalker?
It is generally better not to force them awake, as it can cause confusion or agitation. Gently guide them back to bed instead, and keep the path safe.
What triggers sleepwalking?
Sleep deprivation and stress are common triggers. A consistent sleep schedule, enough total sleep, and stress management often reduce how often episodes happen.
Can a supplement stop sleepwalking?
No. Sleepwalking is a parasomnia, not a deficiency. The proven levers are securing the environment, protecting sleep, and reducing triggers - and seeing a specialist if it is frequent or dangerous.
Related reading: Night Terrors, REM Sleep Behavior Disorder, and Chronic Insomnia.
Sources: Cleveland Clinic, patient guidance on sleepwalking (somnambulism); American Academy of Sleep Medicine, International Classification of Sleep Disorders.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Apexzen products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for frequent or dangerous sleepwalking.