Sleepwalking disorder, also called somnambulism, is characterize by repeating episodes of motor activity during sleep such as sitting up in bed, rising, and walking around, among others. The person appears to be awake because their eyes are usually open and they can maneuver around objects, but is considered asleep.
Sleepwalking disorder is one of several sleep disorders.
Causes
Sleepwalkers often have a strong family history of sleepwalking. 
Furthermore, sleepwalking may be triggered by fever, which directly affects the nervous system; general illness; alcohol; sleep deprivation; and emotional stress. The hormonal changes that take place during puberty, pregnancy, and menstruation can precipitate sleepwalking as well. It seems that when the body is enduring physiological or psychological stress, sleepwalking is more likely to occur, perhaps coinciding with the body’s inability to rest.
There is also a higher incidence of psychiatric disorders in adults who sleepwalk than in the general public. This is not to say that sleepwalking is a psychiatric disorder; more research is needed to document the concurrence of sleepwalking and mental illness.
What are symptoms of sleepwalking?
- eyes open during sleep
- may have blank facial expression
- may sit up and appear awake during sleep
- walking during sleep
- other detailed activity during sleep, any sort
- no recall of the event upon awaking
- confusion, disorientation on awakening
- sleep talking is incomprehensible and non-purposeful
Treatments
Treatment for sleepwalking is often unnecessary, especially if episodes are 
infrequent and pose no hazard to the sleepwalker or others. If sleepwalking is recurrent, or daytime fatigue is suspected to result from disturbed sleep patterns, polysomnography may be recommended to determine whether some form of treatment may be helpful. If stress appears to trigger sleepwalking events in adults, stress management, biofeedback training, or relaxation techniques can be beneficial. Hypnosis has been used help sleepwalkers awaken once their feet touch the floor. Psychotherapy may help individuals who have underlying psychological issues that could be contributing to sleep problems.
Medications are sometimes used in the more severe cases with adults. Benzodiazepines—anti-anxiety drugs— such as diazepam(Valium) or alprazolam(Xanax) can be used to help relax muscles, although these may not result in fewer episodes of sleepwalking. When medications are used, they are typically prescribed in the lowest dose necessary and only for a limited period.
