Sleepwalking can be confusing and sometimes frightening for the people who experience it and for their loved ones. When someone gets out of bed, walks around, or performs activities while still asleep, it naturally raises concerns about what might be happening in their mind and body. Many people ask the same question: Is sleepwalking a sign of mental illness?
The short answer is that sleepwalking is not usually a mental illness on its own. However, it can be connected to sleep disorders, stress, mental health conditions, and other underlying health issues. Understanding why sleepwalking occurs, what increases the risk of sleepwalking, and when to seek help can make this unusual behavior less mysterious and more manageable.
This guide will explore sleepwalking and its causes. You’ll learn how to recognize sleepwalking, the mental health conditions it may indicate, and where to seek treatment. Contact the mental health specialists at First Step Behavioral Health to learn about our mental health treatment programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
What Is Sleepwalking?
Sleepwalking, medically known as somnambulism, is a type of sleep disorder that causes a person to perform activities while asleep. These actions may include sitting up in bed, walking through the house, or even performing complex behaviors. During sleepwalking episodes, a person may appear partially awake, but they usually have very little conscious awareness of their actions. After the episode ends, they often have no memory of the event.
Sleepwalking typically occurs during non-REM sleep, especially in the first few hours after falling asleep. This stage of the sleep cycle is very different from REM sleep, also called rapid eye movement, when dreaming most often happens. During non-REM sleep, the brain is in a deep state of rest. If something interrupts that stage, the body may become active while the mind remains mostly asleep.
How Common Is Sleepwalking?
Sleepwalking is more common than many people realize. Research shows that most children experience sleepwalking at least once, and many children grow out of it naturally. Adults experience sleepwalking less often, but it still occurs. In fact, around 1–4% of the adult population reports recurring sleepwalking.
For many families, sleepwalking in childhood is considered a benign condition that fades over time. However, adult sleepwalkers may need to pay closer attention to possible triggers and health concerns.
Sleepwalking Symptoms
Recognizing sleepwalking symptoms can help people understand whether what they are experiencing fits the pattern of this condition.
Common symptoms of sleepwalking include:
- Sitting up in bed while still asleep
- Walking around the house or outside
- Nocturnal wandering
- Glassy or unfocused eyes
- Difficulty waking the person
- Little or no memory of the event
- Speaking or mumbling while asleep
- Performing unusual or complex behaviors
In rare situations, sleepwalking may involve violent behavior, sexual activity, or interacting with objects in unsafe ways. Because a person is not fully aware of their surroundings, these actions can create safety risks.
Is Sleepwalking a Sign of Mental Illness?
Many people assume sleepwalking must be connected to mental illness, but this is not always the case. Sleepwalking itself is classified as a sleep disorder, not a psychiatric diagnosis. However, mental health issues and mental disorders can increase the likelihood that sleepwalking will occur.
Researchers have found links between sleepwalking and several psychiatric disorders, including:
- Anxiety
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress related to childhood trauma
In some cases, people with mental health conditions may experience sleep disturbances that disrupt the sleep cycle. These disruptions can trigger sleepwalking or worsen existing sleep disorders. That said, many people who sleepwalk have no diagnosed mental health issues at all.
Sleep Disorders Linked to Sleepwalking
Sleepwalking often appears alongside other sleep disorders. When sleep is repeatedly disrupted, the brain may struggle to maintain a stable sleep pattern.
Conditions linked to sleepwalking include:
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Sleep apnea
- Restless leg syndrome
- Chronic insomnia
- Frequent sleep interruptions
For example, obstructive sleep apnea causes breathing to stop and restart repeatedly during sleep. These disruptions can push the brain out of deep non-REM sleep, increasing the risk of sleepwalking. When someone experiences ongoing sleep disturbances, improving sleep quality can sometimes reduce or stop sleepwalking episodes.
Factors That Can Trigger Sleepwalking
Many factors may trigger sleepwalking. Often, several issues combine to create the right conditions for an episode.
Here are some common sleepwalking triggers.
Sleep Deprivation
One of the most common causes is sleep deprivation. When someone does not get enough sleep, the body tries to compensate by entering deeper stages of non-REM sleep. This can increase the chances of sleepwalking.
Learning to avoid sleep deprivation and to prioritize quality sleep can significantly reduce the number of episodes.
Stress and Anxiety
High levels of stress and anxiety can interfere with the normal sleep cycle. Emotional strain may increase nighttime arousal, increasing the likelihood of sleepwalking.
People dealing with mental health conditions sometimes experience sleep disruptions related to these emotional pressures.
Alcohol and Substance Use
Alcohol intake can strongly affect sleep patterns. Drinking alcohol before bed may cause fragmented sleep and increase the likelihood of sleepwalking.
Experts often recommend that people who experience sleepwalking avoid alcohol, especially in the evening.
Other forms of substance use may also contribute to sleep disruptions.
Certain Medications
Certain medications, including sedatives or sleep aids, can affect brain activity during sleep. In some individuals, these drugs may trigger sleepwalking behaviors.
A healthcare provider or healthcare professional can review medications to determine whether they might be contributing.
Family History
Genetics can play a role. People with a family history or positive history of sleepwalking are more likely to experience it themselves.
Research suggests that people sleepwalk more frequently when sleepwalking has occurred in close relatives.
Why Adults Experience Sleepwalking
While most children outgrow sleepwalking, adults experience sleepwalking for different reasons.
Possible causes include:
- Chronic sleep deprivation
- Mental health issues
- medical conditions
- Stressful life events
- sleep disorders like sleep apnea
- Medication side effects
Because sleepwalking in adulthood may signal deeper sleep or health problems, it is often recommended that adult sleepwalkers speak with a healthcare provider.
Potential Risks of Sleepwalking
Sleepwalking may seem harmless, but it can lead to injuries if precautions are not taken.
People who sleepwalk may:
- Trip or fall while walking
- Leave the home during nocturnal wandering
- Interact with sharp objects
- Engage in complex behaviors without awareness
For safety, families should take steps to prevent injuries and falls. This may include removing obstacles, securing doors, and keeping dangerous items out of reach.
When to Seek Professional Help
Occasional sleepwalking may not require medical care. However, certain situations should prompt a mental health evaluation or sleep assessment.
Consider contacting a healthcare professional if:
- Sleepwalking happens frequently
- Episodes include violent behavior
- Someone leaves the house while asleep
- Injuries occur
- Daytime fatigue becomes severe
- Sleepwalking begins suddenly in adulthood
A sleep specialist or family physician may recommend further evaluation.
How Sleepwalking Is Diagnosed
To understand the cause of sleepwalking, doctors may review sleep habits, medical history, and family history. In some cases, a sleep study may be recommended. During a sleep study, specialists monitor brain activity, breathing patterns, and body movements throughout the night. This evaluation can identify problems like obstructive sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, or other sleep disorders that might be contributing.
A mental health evaluation may also help identify stress, trauma, or several psychiatric disorders that affect sleep. In cases where mental health conditions contribute to sleepwalking or other nighttime behaviors, comprehensive treatment and support may reduce these unwanted symptoms.
Treatment Options
The good news is that effective treatment is available for many people who experience sleepwalking. Treatment usually focuses on improving sleep health and addressing underlying causes.
Here is an overview of treatment options for sleepwalking.
Improve Sleep Habits
Establishing consistent sleep routines can improve sleep quality and reduce sleepwalking.
Helpful strategies include:
- Going to bed at the same time each night
- Getting enough sleep
- Maintaining a comfortable sleep environment
- Limiting screens before bedtime
Improving sleep quality often reduces nighttime disturbances.
Reduce Stress
Managing stress and anxiety can support healthier sleep patterns.
Therapy, relaxation techniques, and mindfulness practices may help individuals who struggle with mental health conditions.
Avoid Alcohol and Substances
Reducing or eliminating drug and alcohol intake can improve sleep quality and lower the risk of sleepwalking. Experts often advise individuals who sleepwalk to avoid alcohol near bedtime.
Treat Underlying Sleep Disorders
If conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea are present, treating them can significantly improve sleep stability.
This may involve breathing devices, medication adjustments, or lifestyle changes.
Medication (When Necessary)
In rare cases, medication may be used to control severe sleepwalking. A sleep specialist or healthcare provider will determine whether this approach is appropriate.
Supporting Someone Who Sleepwalks
Family members can play an important role in supporting someone who sleepwalks.
Helpful safety steps include:
- Locking doors and windows at night
- Installing alarms if needed
- Removing sharp objects or obstacles
- Using night lights to reduce accidents
These precautions can help prevent injuries while addressing the condition.
It is usually best not to abruptly wake someone during a sleepwalking episode. Instead, gently guide them back to bed.
Find Mental Health Treatment
So, is sleepwalking a sign of mental illness? In most cases, the answer is no. Sleepwalking is primarily a sleep disorder, not a mental illness.
If sleepwalking becomes frequent, dangerous, or begins later in life, speaking with a mental health professional can help identify the cause and create a plan for better sleep and improved well-being. Contact First Step Behavioral Health to learn more about mental health conditions, explore your treatment options, or schedule an intake assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can sleepwalking happen during naps?
Yes, sleepwalking can occasionally occur during naps, especially if the nap is long enough for the body to enter deeper stages of non-REM sleep. Because sleepwalking is linked to disruptions in deep sleep, any period of rest that includes this stage may increase the risk of an episode. However, sleepwalking during naps is far less common than episodes that happen during nighttime sleep.
- Should you wake someone who is sleepwalking?
Waking someone during sleepwalking is not usually dangerous, but it can be disorienting. A person may feel confused, frightened, or agitated upon sudden awakening. In most cases, it is safer to calmly guide the person back to bed while speaking gently and keeping the environment quiet. If the individual appears at risk of harm, waking them may be necessary to ensure safety.
- Can sleepwalking be prevented completely?
Sleepwalking cannot always be prevented entirely, especially if there is a strong genetic component. However, many people can reduce the number of episodes by maintaining consistent sleep routines, managing stress levels, and addressing sleep disruptions. Identifying triggers—such as irregular schedules or nighttime disturbances—can help lower the frequency of episodes.
- Is sleepwalking dangerous?
Sleepwalking itself is not inherently dangerous, but it can create risky situations. A person may move around their home, attempt to leave the house, or interact with objects without full awareness. Because judgment and coordination are impaired during episodes, there is a greater chance of falls or accidents. Creating a safe sleep environment can significantly reduce these risks.
- Why do some people REMember their sleepwalking episodes?
Most people have little or no memory of sleepwalking because the brain remains mostly in a sleep state during the event. However, partial awakenings sometimes occur. In these cases, a person may recall fragments of the experience or vague sensations of moving or speaking during the night. This tends to happen when the brain shifts closer to wakefulness before the episode ends.
- Does sleepwalking get worse with age?
For many individuals, sleepwalking decreases as they grow older, particularly when it begins in childhood. However, if sleepwalking appears for the first time in adulthood or becomes more frequent later in life, it may indicate changes in sleep patterns, medication effects, or other health-related factors. When episodes increase or become more complex, it is helpful to discuss the symptoms with a healthcare professional.
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