The strange state of a person walking in a semiconscious manner without being aware of it can last from seconds to many minutes. A sleepwalker can walk clumsily but usually avoids bumping into objects since brain activity indicates more of a wakeful state than a sleeping one.
Most sleepwalkers have no memory of their sleepwalking.
A sleepwalker often awakens suddenly with a blank or confused stare. Sleepwalking cases appear more prevalent in children. Today, about 15 percent of children between 5 and 12 years of age have had at least one episode of sleepwalking. There is no specific treatment available for this type of disorder, but the sleepwalker can be gently led back to bed. Forcibly awakening the person is not advised since it can provoke an angry reaction.