What is the term for walking or moving about while asleep?

• A. Somnambulism
• B. Narcolepsy
• C. Insomnia
• D. Sleep apnea

Answer: (A)

Walking or moving about while asleep is somnambulism, a sleep parasomnia. It happens during deep non-REM sleep, usually in the first part of the night, when the person is not fully conscious. They may perform routine actions and can be difficult to wake, often with little or no memory of the event. It’s more common in children but can occur in adults, and factors like sleep deprivation, stress, fever, or certain medications can increase the likelihood.

Other sleep disorders listed are different: narcolepsy involves sudden daytime sleep attacks and often loss of muscle control with strong emotions, not nighttime wandering. Insomnia is trouble falling or staying asleep. Sleep apnea involves repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, leading to disrupted rest.