The song was written by Ryan Tedder, Aimee Mayo and Chris Lindsey for Lambert's debut album, For Your Entertainment.

Allmusic called the song "terrific pop" and added that it's "Tedder’s typically icy alienation.

"[2] Entertainment Weekly was very positive, saying: "Lambert [gets] the chance to earn his power- ballad bona fides on the tense, atmospheric ‘Sleepwalker’.

"[4] The song was included on the set list of Lambert's 2010 Glam Nation Tour.

Lambert also performed the song on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in late 2010.