Sleepwalker: meaning, definitions and examples
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sleepwalker
[ ˈsliːpˌwɔːkər ]
sleep behavior
A sleepwalker is a person who walks or performs other complex behaviors while still asleep. This phenomenon occurs during the deeper stages of sleep, primarily in non-REM sleep. Sleepwalking can involve a variety of activities, including walking, talking, or even eating, all while in a state of unconsciousness.
Synonyms
noctambulist, somnambulist, walker
Examples of usage
- My brother is a sleepwalker; he often walks around the house at night.
- Sleepwalkers usually don't remember their actions in the morning.
- The child became a sleepwalker after the stress of moving to a new school.
- Doctors suggest keeping sleepwalkers safe by blocking stairways.
Translations
Translations of the word "sleepwalker" in other languages:
🇵🇹 sonâmbulo
🇮🇳 सोते हुए चलने वाला
🇩🇪 Schlafwandler
🇮🇩 penidur
🇺🇦 снохид
🇵🇱 lunatyk
🇯🇵 夢遊病者
🇫🇷 somnambule
🇪🇸 sonámbulo
🇹🇷 uyku yürüyücüsü
🇰🇷 몽유병자
🇸🇦 المشاة أثناء النوم
🇨🇿 spáč
🇸🇰 snílek
🇨🇳 梦游者
🇸🇮 sanjalec
🇮🇸 draumvandi
🇰🇿 ұйқыдағы жүргіш
🇬🇪 სიზმრის მგზავრი
🇦🇿 yuxuda gəzən
🇲🇽 sonámbulo
Word origin
The term 'sleepwalker' dates back to the early 19th century and originates from the combination of the words 'sleep' and 'walker'. The word 'sleep' has Old English roots, derived from the word 'slǣpan', which means to sleep, while 'walker' comes from the Old English 'wealcan', meaning to move or roll. The phenomenon of sleepwalking itself has been documented throughout history, with references found in ancient medical texts. It was commonly seen as a mysterious condition, often attributed to supernatural forces or as a symptom of extreme emotional distress. Modern medicine has classified sleepwalking as a parasomnia, a disorder characterized by abnormal behaviors during sleep. The understanding of sleepwalking has evolved significantly, and today it is recognized as a complex interaction of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors.