Sleepwalking is a type of parasomnia — an abnormal behavior that occurs during sleep — in which a person performs complex motor activities, such as walking or carrying out other actions, while remaining in a state of deep sleep. Sleepwalking typically occurs during the slow-wave (deep) stages of non-REM sleep in the first third of the night. During an episode, the person’s eyes may be open with a glassy, blank expression, but they are not fully conscious and typically have no memory of the event upon waking. Episodes of sleepwalking can vary considerably in complexity. Some involve simple behaviors such as sitting up in bed or walking around the room. Others may be more elaborate, including dressing, eating, going to the bathroom, or even leaving the home. In rare and extreme cases, sleepwalking has been associated with driving a car or other complex activities. Sleepwalking is most common in children between the ages of 4 and 8 and tends to diminish naturally with adolescence, though it can persist or begin in adulthood. A strong genetic component has been identified — having a first-degree relative who sleepwalks significantly increases the risk. Risk factors include sleep deprivation, irregular sleep schedules, stress, fever, alcohol consumption, certain medications (including some sleep aids and sedatives), and other sleep disorders such as sleep apnea. Safety is the primary concern for sleepwalkers. Precautions include securing doors and windows, removing obstacles, and using door alarms. Gently guiding a sleepwalker back to bed is generally safe. If sleepwalking episodes are frequent, dangerous, or cause significant distress, medical evaluation and treatment are recommended.