Overview
These happen during deep sleep, and children usually don't remember them.
In adults, they can be linked to stress, medicines, or sleep disorders.
When to get medical care
Causes
Causes include sleep deprivation, stress, fever, and medicines.
OwieClear has pages on 2 conditions that can cause sleepwalking, sleep talking, or night terrors. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- Sleepwalking and night terrorsOften treated at home
Walking, talking, or screaming during deep sleep without being fully awake, and usually not remembering it.
- REM sleep behavior disorder (acting out dreams)See a doctor if it doesn't get better
Acting out vivid dreams by talking, shouting, punching, or kicking during sleep, sometimes injuring yourself or a bed partner.
What you can do at home
- Lock doors and windows.
- Keep a regular sleep schedule.
Medicines
Usually none needed.
At the doctor
Diagnosed by symptoms.
Questions you may be asked
- Frequency
- Injuries
The exam
A physical exam.
Tests
- Sleep study if needed
Prevention
Sleep well.
- Regular sleep schedule
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.