Sleepwalking vs. Dreaming: What's the Difference? Sleepwalking and dreaming are two completely different experiences, though they may seem similar at first glance. Sleepwalking, also known as somnambulism, is a state in which an individual performs complex behaviors while being asleep. This can range from simple tasks like walking around the house to more complex actions like driving a car. Dreaming, on the other hand, is a mental state that happens during the REM (rapid eye movement) stage of sleep. During this time, the brain is highly active and creates vivid images and sensations that we experience as dreams. One of the main differences between sleepwalking and dreaming is that sleepwalking typically occurs during the non-REM stage of sleep, which is typically less active than the REM stage. This means that while sleepwalking, the individual is not experiencing the same level of mental activity as they would during a dream. Another difference is that sleepwalking is often triggered by external stimuli, such as a loud noise or a stressful event, while dreaming is a natural part of the sleep cycle. It's worth noting that not everyone experiences sleepwalking or dreams, and when they do, it may not happen consistently. Additionally, not all sleepwalking episodes are the same, as some individuals may perform complex or dangerous tasks while others may simply walk around the room. In conclusion, while sleepwalking and dreaming may seem similar on the surface, they are actually two completely different experiences that happen during different stages of sleep. While both are fascinating phenomena to study, it's important to understand the differences between the two in order to better understand the complexities of sleep and the human mind.