Sleepwalking Children - What You Need To Know

Is Sleepwalking Normal For Children?

If you find your child sleepwalking, you are likely to be very anxious and worried about what has caused the sleepwalking, as well as what the longer term consequences will be.

First, what exactly is sleepwalking?

Sleepwalking, the medical term for which is somnambulism, is a sleep disorder. Your child will rise from bed and walk - or engage in other activities - that they would normally do when they are awake. Their eyes will be open but they will appear to be in a dazed or dream-like state, and will probably not answer when you talk to them, although they may carry out confused and mumbled conversations. Sleepwalking can last a few seconds, a few minutes, or more.

Sleepwalking can affect people of any age, but is more common in children, and also more common in boys than girls. It is thought that up to 17% of children sleepwalk or have done so. Sleepwalking often starts between the ages of 6 and 12, affects children of 11 and 12 most of all, and is often outgrown by adolescence. A sleepwalker will not remember the episode the next day.

Why is my child sleepwalking?

Sleepwalking can be an indication that certain parts of the brain may not be relaxing properly at bedtime. It can be triggered by disruptions to a child's normal sleep patterns, such as illness or fever, fatigue, stress or anxiety. It is thought to occur in the beginning, slow-wave stages of non-rapid eye movement sleep (before dream sleep, or REM sleep). Children spend more time in slow-wave sleeping than adults. It could be related to a magnesium deficiency, and it is very possible that hormonal changes in early puberty could trigger it.

Is sleepwalking hereditary?

For most habitual sleepwalkers, there is a strong family history of the disorder. Certainly a child is more likely to be a sleepwalker if one of his parents suffered too.

Is sleepwalking dangerous?

Sleepwalking in itself is not dangerous and is generally not a sign of any more worrying problems. But if your child sleepwalks regularly you are going to have to take safety measures to be sure that he doesn't hurt himself while sleepwalking.

• Bunk beds are not a good idea!
• Is your child's bedroom on the ground floor? If not, you may have to install a baby gate at the top of the staircase.
• Leave windows locked shut. Make sure that any doors out of the house can't be opened by a child, and lock doors to the cellar, kitchen and other dangerous places.
• Check each night before lights go out for trailing electrical leads, sharp objects or, indeed, anything on the floor which your child could trip over or hurt himself on. Put away breakables.
• Make sure not to leave water glasses on bedside tables.
• In extreme cases, you might want to rig up some sort of bell system so that if your child's door opens during the night, you are alerted.

How often do children sleepwalk?

A child may sleepwalk once and never sleepwalk again. Others may sleepwalk once a month or so. Still others may sleepwalk almost nightly. If you are worried you should consult your doctor at once and asked to be referred to a sleep specialist.

What should I do if I find my child sleepwalking?

• Make sure that they are as safe as you can (see above).
• Guide them back to bed gently.
• Try not to wake them.

What should I think about longer term?

Children may be embarrassed if told that they have walked in their sleep, or teased by siblings and friends. Ensure that you tackle this.

Find a good child's multivitamin and make sure it is taken regularly.

If sleepwalking becomes a regular occurrence, children may begin to be reluctant to go to sleep. Try to make sure that they are reassured, and if necessary consult a specialist.

Try to establish a regular, relaxing bedtime routine. You could start an hour before bedtime with a warm bath, then have a story for a younger child or reading time in bed for an older child. You could also encourage older children to write a journal. Avoid eating, watching the television or playing on the computer just before bed.

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