1. Sleepwalking usually begins 1 to 2 hours after falling asleep during deep non-REM sleep

Most people think sleepwalking happens during dreams, but it doesn’t. It actually occurs during slow-wave sleep (SWS)—a deep phase of non-REM (NREM) sleep, which typically begins about 1 to 2 hours after falling asleep. During this stage, the brain is deeply at rest, but the body can still move, which is why people can walk, talk, and even perform complex actions while sleepwalking.

2. Sleepwalking affects approximately 6.9% of people at some point in their lives

While it might seem rare, 6.9% of the global population has sleepwalked at least once, and it’s more common in children than in adults. In children, it’s often linked to immature sleep patterns and typically resolves with age. However, adults can develop sleepwalking due to stress, medication, or underlying sleep disorders.

3. People can do surprisingly complex tasks while sleepwalking—even driving

Sleepwalking isn’t limited to just wandering around a room. Some individuals have cooked meals, rearranged furniture, or even driven cars while still technically asleep. These actions may seem conscious but occur without full awareness, and the person often won’t remember anything afterward.

4. Sleepwalking can be triggered by stress, sleep deprivation, or certain medications

Although the exact causes of sleepwalking aren’t fully understood, research shows that stress, lack of sleep, alcohol consumption, and certain medications like sedatives or antihistamines can increase the likelihood. These factors disrupt normal sleep cycles, pushing the brain into unstable transitions between sleep stages.

5. Sleepwalking tends to run in families—it has a strong genetic link

If one or both of your parents sleepwalked, you’re more likely to experience it yourself. Studies have shown that sleepwalking is often hereditary, suggesting a genetic predisposition. Twin studies have reinforced that genetic factors play a significant role, with identical twins showing higher concordance rates.

6. Waking a sleepwalker isn’t dangerous—but it can be disorienting

There’s a common myth that you should never wake a sleepwalker. While it’s true they may become confused or even aggressive when abruptly awakened, it’s not harmful to do so. In fact, gently guiding them back to bed or ensuring their safety is usually more important than avoiding waking them.

7. Adults who sleepwalk are more likely to suffer from other sleep disorders

Sleepwalking in adults is often linked to underlying sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, night terrors, or restless leg syndrome (RLS). If an adult begins sleepwalking regularly, it’s often a sign of deeper disturbances in sleep architecture that should be evaluated by a professional.

8. Sleepwalking episodes can last just a few seconds—or up to 30 minutes

Most episodes are brief, lasting less than 10 minutes, but some can stretch to 30 minutes or more. During this time, sleepwalkers can appear semi-alert, perform repetitive actions, and even leave the house—posing risks without realizing it.

9. Sleepwalking is more likely to happen when someone is sleeping in a new or unfamiliar environment

Sleeping somewhere new—like in a hotel, a friend’s house, or even a different room—can increase sleepwalking incidents. This is because new surroundings disrupt the brain’s normal sleep regulation, especially in people prone to parasomnias.

10. There’s no universal cure for sleepwalking, but treatment is available

While there’s no one-size-fits-all cure, sleepwalking can be managed. Treatment depends on the cause and may include improving sleep hygiene, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), scheduled awakenings, or medication. It’s crucial to focus on reducing triggers and ensuring safety at home, especially if episodes are frequent or risky.

Final Thoughts

Sleepwalking is more than a quirky nighttime behavior—it’s a neurological sleep disorder with real consequences and risks. Whether you’ve experienced it yourself or are just fascinated by the science of sleep, understanding these facts can help you take it more seriously.

For more resources and expert guidance on sleepwalking, visit sleep-walking.com.

Sources:

• Healthline

• Mayo Clinic

• Cleveland Clinic

• NIH / PubMed

• Sleep Foundation

• Johns Hopkins Medicine

• NHS UK

• Stanford Health Care