Probability of Sleepwalking

Sleepwalking (somnambulism) affects approximately 4% of adults and 15-40% of children at some point. The peak age for sleepwalking is 8-12 years, and most children outgrow the behavior by their mid-teens. About 1.5% of adults have recurring sleepwalking episodes.

Sleepwalking occurs during deep non-REM sleep (stages 3-4), typically in the first third of the night. Episodes can range from simply sitting up in bed to walking around the house, eating, driving, or other complex behaviors. Sleepwalkers usually have no memory of the episode. Risk factors include sleep deprivation, stress, fever, certain medications (particularly sedatives and sleep aids), alcohol, and genetic predisposition (sleepwalking runs in families, with about 45% heritability).

Most sleepwalking episodes are harmless, but injuries can occur from falling, running into objects, or leaving the house. About 17% of sleepwalkers have been injured during an episode. Safety measures include locking doors and windows, removing sharp objects and tripping hazards, installing gates on stairs, and using door alarms. Treatment is usually not necessary for children, but adults with frequent or dangerous episodes may benefit from scheduled awakenings, cognitive behavioral therapy, or medication (typically benzodiazepines or SSRIs).