Glossary

automatic behavior

An automatic behavior is a behavior or action that someone does without full awareness or control. The action may not make sense, such as putting a cereal bowl in the dryer instead of the dishwasher. They may not remember some or all the action, such as having a conversation.

Automatic behaviors often happen when someone with a hypersomnia sleep disorder is partially asleep, like when they’re feeling a strong pressure to go to sleep or have recently woken up. Automatic behaviors may last a few minutes or up to an hour. People with sleep-related automatic behavior may appear sleepy but can be alerted and answer questions appropriately.