What does sleepwalker mean?
A sleepwalker is a person who walks while asleep, often without becoming fully conscious. The term is commonly used for someone who leaves the bed and moves around during sleep, although the more general condition is called sleepwalking and may include other movements or complex behaviors. Sleepwalking is especially associated with deep sleep and can occur in children as well as adults. It may be occasional, and it does not necessarily indicate a serious problem, though frequent or hazardous episodes may warrant medical attention. In everyday language, sleepwalker can also suggest someone who behaves in an unthinking or irresponsible way, but its primary meaning is literal. The word is formed from sleep and walker, and the formal synonym somnambulist comes from Latin.
nounA person who walks in their sleep, usually without being fully awake.
- A person who walks in their sleep, usually without being fully awake.
"The sleepwalker wandered downstairs while still asleep and was confused when she found herself by the front door."
"Her brother is a sleepwalker and has occasionally wandered into the kitchen during the night."
"The film presents the character as a sleepwalker who acts out a disturbing series of events while unconscious."
The regular plural is used when referring to multiple people who walk in their sleep.
"The twins are both sleepwalkers and occasionally wander into each other's rooms."
A sleepwalker can cross a room, open a door, or even travel farther than expected—all without consciously waking up.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sleepwalker come from?
Sleepwalker is a compound formed in the 19th century from sleep and walker. Sleep derives from Old English slefan, while walk comes from Old English wealcan, both of which are inherited Germanic words. The related formal term somnambulist is based on Latin somnus, meaning “sleep,” and ambulare, meaning “to walk.”
Related word forms
How sleepwalker is actually used
Sleepwalker is an informal, everyday term; somnambulist is the more formal or medical term. The condition is more accurately called sleepwalking, and not every sleepwalker moves beyond their bed.
Easily confused with sleepwalker
A sleepwalker walks while asleep, whereas a nightwalker may be a person who moves about at night for reasons unrelated to sleep.
A somnambulist is the formal medical term for someone who walks or performs other activities while asleep; sleepwalker is the everyday word.