Sleepwalking is a sleep disorder in which the child sleeps, but appears to be awake, for example, able to sit, talk or walk at home.Sleepwalking occurs during deep sleep and can last from a few seconds to 40 minutes.
Sleepwalking is in most cases curable, disappearing only in adolescence, although in some people it can continue into adulthood, the specific causes are still unknown, but it is thought that sleepwalking episodes, which normally begin 2 hours later of the child’s sleep, are related to the immaturity of the brain.
Some common signs of children with sleepwalking include
During sleepwalking episodes, it is normal for the child to have his eyes open and his eyes fixed, appearing to be awake, but although he is able to follow certain orders, he may not hear or understand everything he or she is told.
When a child wakes up in the morning, it’s rare for them to remember what happened during the night.
The causes of childhood sleepwalking are not yet fully understood, but the immaturity of the central nervous system may be related, as well as genetic factors, bad nights, stress and fever.
In addition, the need to urinate while sleeping can also increase the occurrence of sleepwalking episodes, as the child can get up to urinate without waking up and eventually urinate elsewhere in the house.
Although this can occur due to the immaturity of the nervous system, sleepwalking does not indicate that the child has psychological or emotional problems.
There is no specific treatment for childhood sleepwalking, as sleepwalking episodes are usually mild and disappear in adolescence, however, if sleepwalking is very frequent and persistent, the child should be taken to a pediatrician or doctor who specializes in sleep disorders.
However, parents can take some steps to help reduce sleepwalking episodes and others to prevent the child from getting hurt, such as:
It is also very important for parents to stay calm and pass on safety to the child, as stress can increase the frequency of sleepwalking episodes.
Learn more practical tips for combating sleepwalking and protecting your child.