Sleepwalking commonly occurs in the initial third phase of a night's sleep. Sleepwalking or somnambulism typically manifests during the slow-wave cycle of sleep, also called as Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) Sleep. In certain rare cases, victims may walk during a day- time nap.

Sleepwalking events can be distressing, and sometimes dangerous. It can have forensic implications in cases involving accidents, homicide, or presumed suicide. Sleepwalking may cause injury, disrupt sleep, health problems, interpersonal problems, shame, bewilderment, and depression, from repeated loss of self-control at night.

Causes of Sleep Walking

Fever

Sleep Deprivation and Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Other disorders that disrupt slow-wave sleep

Internal stimuli, such as a full urinary bladder

External stimuli, such as noises

Personality disorders

Relationship difficulties

Drugs, like thioridazine, fluphenazine, perphenazine, desipramine, chloral hydrate, and lithium