Somnambulism, commonly known as sleepwalking, is a sleep disorder characterized by walking or performing other complex behaviors while in a state of sleep. It typically occurs during the non-REM sleep phase, usually in the first third of the night. Individuals may appear awake but are actually in a deep sleep and often have no memory of the event upon waking. The exact cause of somnambulism is not fully understood, but it can be triggered by factors such as stress, sleep deprivation, or certain medications. It is more common in children, though it can also affect adults. Safety measures are important to prevent injury during episodes.