Sleepwalking AudioHealth Library Topic 2405 Sleepwalking Sleepwalking happens during the deep stages of sleep, usually within three hours after a person has fallen asleep. Sleepwalking happens more often in children than in adults, and may last from several minutes to a half an hour or longer. A sleepwalker usually gets out of bed and walks around.
Sleepwalkers usually appear to be awake, but stare blankly ahead with eyes wide open.
Although they seem alert, they are unaware of their surroundings and are difficult to awaken. If asked a question, the sleepwalker will answer in a single word or in sentences that do not make sense. Usually the sleepwalker does not remember sleepwalking the next morning. In children, sleepwalking often includes night terrors, in which case, the child's behavior will be more frantic and may involve shrieking or thrashing about. While the exact causes of sleepwalking are unknown, there is some evidence that sleepwalking is linked to stress, fatigue and the use of sedative medications that bring about deep sleep.