Sleepwalking (SW) is a disorder in which a series of complex behaviors are initiated during slow-wave (non-REM) sleep and result in walking during sleep (American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 2005). It is a parasomnia, defined as a clinical ... Sleepwalking (SW) is a disorder in which a series of complex behaviors are initiated during slow-wave (non-REM) sleep and result in walking during sleep (American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 2005). It is a parasomnia, defined as a clinical disorder resulting in undesirable physical phenomena that occur predominantly during sleep. Parasomnias are not abnormalities of the processes responsible for sleep and wake states (summary by Hublin and Kaprio, 2003). Sleepwalking is more common in childhood (up to 26%), and usually resolves in adolescence; however, it can persist into adulthood (3%) (Hublin et al., 1997).
Licis et al. (2011) reported a large 4-generation Caucasian family in which 9 individuals were affected with sleepwalking. All had onset of sleepwalking between age 4 and 10 years, and adults continued to have episodes into their thirties, ... Licis et al. (2011) reported a large 4-generation Caucasian family in which 9 individuals were affected with sleepwalking. All had onset of sleepwalking between age 4 and 10 years, and adults continued to have episodes into their thirties, although the frequency was decreased from childhood. Three individuals recalled episodes of sleep paralysis, and none had a history of seizures. Sleepwalking episodes can be triggered by stressful factors, including family conflicts, job stress, sleep deprivation, and alcohol. Anxiety is a common personality trait associated with sleepwalking (Lecendreux et al., 2003).