Somnambulism

Somnambulism

"Laboratory studies show that somnambulism occurs primarily during the first three hours of sleep and generally in stage 3 or 4 sleep.  Typically the person sits up in bed, then gets up and moves around.  Motor coordination is usually poor, and the person has an automation - like quality (ie., moves slowly and stiffly).  The person's eyes are open, and his or her facial expression is blank.  Complex behaviors such as dressing and eating have been observed in a laboratory settings.  These behaviors are usually out of context and indicate the person's lack of awareness of his or her surroundings.  Somnambulists are difficult to awaken and regain awareness gradually.  In most cases, the person is completely amnesic for the episode.  There is rarely more than one episode per night (Kales et al., 1980)."


taken from "Diagnosis & Treatment of Multiple Personality Disorder" by Frank W. Putnam