Child sleepwalking is a sleep disorder in which the child is sleeping, but appears to be awake, being able to sit, talk or walk around the house, for example. Sleepwalking occurs during deep sleep and can last from a few seconds to up to 40 minutes.
In most cases, sleepwalking can be cured and disappears on its own during adolescence, although in some people it can persist into adulthood. The specific causes are still unknown, but it is believed that sleepwalking episodes, which normally begin 2 hours after the child sleeps, are related to brain immaturity.
Main signs and symptoms
Some common signs of sleepwalking children include:
- Sitting up in bed while sleeping;
- Peeing in inappropriate places;
- Getting up and walking around the house while sleeping;
- Speak or whisper some confusing, meaningless words or phrases;
- Not remembering anything you did while sleeping.
During sleepwalking episodes, it is normal for the child to have their eyes open and gaze fixed, appearing to be awake, but despite being able to follow some orders, they may not hear or understand anything that is said to them.
When a child wakes up in the morning, it is rare for a child to remember what happened during the night.
What can cause sleepwalking in children?
The causes of childhood sleepwalking are not yet fully known, but the immaturity of the central nervous system may be related, as well as genetic factors, poor sleep, stress and fever.
Furthermore, having the urge to pee during sleep can also increase the occurrence of sleepwalking episodes, as the child may get up to pee without waking up, ending up urinating in another part of the house.
Although it may occur due to the immaturity of the nervous system, sleepwalking does not indicate that the child has psychological or emotional problems.
How the treatment is carried out
There is no specific treatment for childhood sleepwalking, as sleepwalking episodes are generally mild and disappear during adolescence. However, if sleepwalking is very frequent and persistent, the child should be taken to a pediatrician or doctor specializing in sleep disorders.
However, parents can adopt certain measures to help reduce sleepwalking episodes and others to prevent the child from harming themselves, such as:
- Create a sleep routine, putting the child to bed and always waking up at the same time;
- Regulate the child’s sleeping hours, ensuring that they sleep enough hours;
- Avoid giving medications or stimulant drinks to the child to avoid keeping them awake;
- Avoid very agitated games before bed;
- Do not shake or try to wake the child in the middle of a sleepwalking episode so that they do not become scared or stressed;
- Talk calmly to the child and take them carefully to their room, waiting for their sleep to return to normal;
- Keep the child’s room free of sharp objects, furniture or toys that the child could trip over or get hurt;
- Leave sharp objects, such as knives and scissors or cleaning products, out of the child’s reach;
- Prevent the child from sleeping on the top of the bunk bed;
- Lock the doors of the house and remove the keys;
- Block access to stairs and place protective screens on windows.
It is also very important for parents to remain calm and provide security to the child, as stress can increase the frequency of sleepwalking episodes.
Check out other practical tips to combat sleepwalking and protect your child.
