Welcome to our comprehensive guide on childhood sleepwalking!

Sleepwalking is a very common sleep disorder in children, research suggests that 7-15% of children aged 2½-13 years may experience sleepwalking episodes.

But let’s start with the good news….most children will grow out of sleepwalking by puberty.

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.

Common questions about sleepwalking:

What causes sleepwalking?

• irregular sleeping patterns
• not getting enough sleep or being overly tired
• sleep disruptions such as a noisy environment, uncomfortable sleep conditions, needing a wee or frequent awakenings
• illness, especially with a fever
• other sleep disorders, such as sleep apnoea or restless leg syndrome, can contribute to sleepwalking by disrupting normal sleep patterns
• high levels of stress or anxiety can contribute to sleepwalking, as they may affect the quality and depth of a child’s sleep
• sleep environment: such as an uncomfortable bed, changes in sleeping arrangements, or a new environment

What should I expect if my child sleepwalks?

• 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, it can last anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes.
• Your child will be hard to wake and be very disorientated if you try.
• They don’t respond when you speak to them.
• They may also sleep talk at the same time.
• It’s usually a calm experience for children, so there’s no need to worry too much.

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.

What can I do to help my child who sleepwalks?

If your child is experiencing sleepwalking, here are some practical steps you can take to help:

• Establish a Calming Bedtime Routine: Create a soothing nightly ritual that might include reading a book, enjoying a warm bath, or listening to soft music to signal bedtime.
• Encourage Relaxation Techniques: Incorporate relaxation practices before bed, such as deep breathing exercises or gentle stretching, to help your child wind down.
• Try Preventative Stirring: To potentially reduce sleepwalking episodes, For a few nights record the time they usually sleepwalk-then lightly stir your child about 15 minutes before their typical sleepwalking time. Do this every night night for two weeks. If episodes decrease, skip stirring for one night and then resume for six consecutive nights. Gradually reduce the frequency of stirring based on improvement.
• Ensure Adequate Sleep: Sleep deprivation can worsen sleepwalking, so try to ensure your child is getting the recommended amount of sleep for their age.

 

Implementing these strategies can make a significant difference in managing sleepwalking in your child.

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 puberty.

If you have any concerns about your child’s sleepwalking, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional.

Written by Mandy Gurney RGN.RM.DipHV