What does somnambulism specifically refer to?

Somnambulism specifically refers to the condition of walking while asleep, which is often known as sleepwalking. During an episode of somnambulism, the individual might walk, perform activities, or even speak while in a state of sleep, typically during deep non-REM sleep. This phenomenon occurs without the person's conscious awareness and can result in them being unaware of their actions when they awaken.

Understanding somnambulism is important in the context of sleep disorders, as it is quite distinct from related phenomena like talking in one's sleep or having difficulty staying awake. Each of these conditions involves different behaviors and underlying mechanisms, highlighting why somnambulism is uniquely identified with the act of walking during sleep.