Sleepwalking is one of the parasomnias, a group of disorders that also
includes night terrors, nocturnal enuresis and nightmares. This disor
der of arousal is much more common in children than in adults, and it
is commonly associated with other parasomnias. Sleepwalking typically
occurs during the first three hours of sleep, when deep stages 3 and 4
(non-rapid-eye-movement sleep) are most prevalent. The episodes usual
ly last 30 seconds to 30 minutes. The differential diagnosis of sleepw
alking includes partial complex seizures occurring during sleep, rapid
-eye-movement behavior disorder, night terrors, malingering, dissociat
ive phenomena and medication effects. The treatment of sleepwalking in
children includes providing a regular steep-wake schedule, ensuring t
hat the child has sufficient sleep and reassuring the parents. Medicat
ions and psychotherapy may be indicated in some adult patients.