This is called Sleepwalkers because of the text at the very beginning of the movie if you pay attention and read it. There's an explanation that states a sleepwalker is "Nomadic shape-shifting creatures with human and feline origins. Vulnerable to the deadly scratch of the cat, the sleepwalker feeds upon the life-force of virginal human females. Probable source of the vampire legend."
Now to answer the first question, it doesn't appear to be an actual term for shapeshifters. Not from what I've just researched anyway.
Skinwalkers also has text explaining what skinwalkers are. I believe for the movie's purpose that was an Indian term to explain the werewolves. I do not believe sleepwalkers and skinwalkers are related in any way, but perhaps they are :)
reply
share