What condition is characterized by frequent episodes of sleepwalking?

The condition characterized by frequent episodes of sleepwalking is somnambulism, which is commonly known as sleepwalking. Somnambulism occurs during non-REM sleep, specifically in the slow-wave sleep stage, and it is characterized by complex behaviors performed while still in a state of sleep. Individuals who experience somnambulism may walk, talk, or perform other activities while being largely unaware of their actions.

Understanding somnambulism is important because it encapsulates the sleep disorder's specific features, including its prevalence in children and its potential to continue into adulthood. The episodes tend to occur during the first third of the night when slow-wave sleep is most prevalent, and individuals usually have little to no recollection of the event upon waking.

Insomnia refers to difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, which is distinctly different from sleepwalking episodes. Restless legs syndrome involves uncomfortable sensations in the legs that create an overwhelming urge to move, particularly during periods of rest or inactivity, and it does not involve sleepwalking. Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks, but it does not include frequent sleepwalking episodes.

These distinctions highlight why somnambulism is the accurate answer for the condition marked by frequent episodes