somnambulism (redirected from somnambulists)

somnambulism /som·nam·bu·lism/ (som-nam´bu-lizm) sleepwalking; rising out of bed and walking about or performing other complex motor behavior during an apparent state of sleep.

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som·nam·bu·lism (sm-nmby-lzm)

n.

See sleepwalking.

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som·nambu·listic adj.

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Somnambulism

Another term for sleepwalking.

Mentioned in: Sleep Disorders

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somnambulism

[somnam′byəliz′əm]

Etymology: L, somnus, sleep, ambulare, to walk

1 also called noctambulation, sleepwalking, somnambulance. a condition occurring during stage 3 or 4 of nonrapid eye movement sleep that is characterized by complex motor activity, usually culminating in leaving the bed and walking about. The person has no recall of the episode on awakening. The episodes, which usually last from several minutes to half an hour or longer, are seen primarily in children, are more common in boys than in girls, and are more likely to occur if the individual is fatigued or under stress or has taken a sedative or hypnotic medication at bedtime. Seizure disorders, central nervous system infections, and trauma may be predisposing factors, but the condition is more commonly related to anxiety. In adults, the condition is less common and is classified as a dissociative reaction.

2 a hypnotic state in which the person has full possession of the senses but no recollection of the episode. See also fugue.

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somnambulism (somnam´būlizm),

n a habitual walking in the sleep; a hypnotic state in which the subject has full possession of senses but no subsequent recollection.

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somnambulism

Sleepwalking, see there