What is sleepwalking?
Sleepwalking, also known as somnambulism, is a common condition among children. Research suggests that between 7% and 15% of children aged between 2½ and 13 years will have episodes of sleepwalking, and the good news is most of them will grow out of it.
It often runs in families; in fact, a recent study found children are 3 to 7 times more likely to inherit sleepwalking if one or both parents have a history of it.
Although scientists do not fully understand what causes sleepwalking, one theory as to why it is more common in children than adults is the need for children to have a greater amount of deep NREM sleep, meaning they are more likely to experience these events.
Sleepwalking usually happens about an hour after going to sleep, during the deepest level of sleep. At this stage, the brain is asleep but the body can still move around. There’s no set pattern for sleepwalking, and it can last anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes.
The good news is that sleepwalking is usually a calm experience for children, so there’s no need to worry too much. If you want to learn more about sleepwalking, we’ve got you covered with plenty of helpful information!
Common questions about sleepwalking:
Should I wake my child from a sleepwalk?
- If you wake your child they will be very disorientated and upset; simply guide them gently back to bed and stay in the room while they resettle.
How can I keep my child safe when they sleepwalk?
- If you have a child who sleepwalks, it is essential to take measures to prevent them from potentially hurting themselves during an episode. If your child sleepwalks, do not allow them to sleep on the top bunk, keep their bedroom floor clear of toys and other obstacles, fix a stair gate to their door or the top of the stairs, and make sure all windows are secure.
Can I prevent my child from sleepwalking?
- Have a regular calming bedtime routine every night. You could include activities like reading a book, taking a warm bath, or listening to soft music.
- Encourage relaxation techniques before bedtime, such as deep breathing exercises or gentle stretching.
- Stirring a child who regularly sleepwalks can often prevent it. Lightly stir them 15 minutes before their earliest sleepwalking episode every night for 2 weeks. If there have been no further episodes of sleepwalking miss 1 night of not stirring them and stir for 6 consecutive nights. Gradually stir them less and less often until you stop and there have been no sleepwalking episodes.
- Sleepwalking can be exacerbated by sleep deprivation, so ensuring your child is getting enough sleep for their age will help.
- Avoid foods and drinks high in sugar and caffeine, consuming these in the evening can contribute to sleepwalking.
Finally, it is important to note that sleep disturbances such as sleepwalking are manifestations of a maturing neurological system, and most children will have grown out of sleepwalking by the age of six years.
If you have any concerns about your child’s sleepwalking, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional.