Also known as
somnambulism, the act of walking in one's sleep. Many times, other activities, such as talking or interacting with objects, are involved. It is most commonly experienced in
childhood, with 1% to 6% of all children experiencing
recurring sleepwalking. At least 10% of all people have experienced sleepwalking at least once, though many may not know it.
During a sleepwalking episode, the sleepwalker's eyes are usually open, but not focused. While the world it perceived, somnambulist is still dreaming, and thus interacts with the real world in strange ways. Sleepwalking is not generally hazardous, though it can be frightening to both the somnambulist and witnesses. On the other hand, a court case in Queensland (Australia) determined that a murder committed by a sleepwalker was considered involuntary and therefore unpunishable.