Somnabulism disorder is commonly suffered by children, but rarely affects adults. However, it affects both sexes equally. Somnabulism usually begins during the first one to three hours of sleep. During a typical episode a somnabulist will sit up in bed. Some sleepwalkers will rise out of bed and wander aimlessly about their bedroom or even their house.
Children often walk to their parents' bedroom or to the toilet.
Somnabulists may make various repetitive movements such as rubbing their eyes or fumbling with their clothes. The movements of sleepwalkers are often clumsy. These episodes typically last anywhere from 30 seconds to 30 minutes. A sleepwalker appears dazed. A blank, staring expression may be upon the face of a somnabulist.