What is sleepwalking
Also known as somnambulism, sleep walking is common- between 7 and 15 % of children aged between 2½ and 13 years will have episodes of sleep-walking, and most will grow out of it.
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. This means they are more likely to experience these events.
Sleep-walking usually occurs about an hour after bedtime when we are in our deepest level of sleep – deep NREM sleep. During this sleep stage the brain is asleep but the body is still mobile.
There is no set pattern: it can last for 5 or 20 minutes, and your child is usually calm.
It often runs in families; a recent study found children are 3 to 7 times more likely to inherit sleep walking if one or both parents have a history of it, but sleep deprivation can also be a trigger.
Although scientists do not yet fully understand what causes sleep-walking it is harmless, however, make sure you take measures to prevent your child potentially hurting themselves during an episode.
Common questions about sleep walking:
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Should I wake my child from a sleepwalk?
Sleep during the first third of the night is very difficult to be woken from. 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.
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What factors may affect it?
Sleepwalking can be exacerbated by sleep deprivation, so ensuring your child gets enough sleep will help.
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Does diet have an impact?
Foods that are high in sugar can contribute to sleepwalking.
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What can I do to help prevent my child from sleepwalking?
Stirring a child who regularly sleepwalks can often prevent it.
Lightly stir your child 15 minutes before their earliest sleepwalking episode every night for 2 weeks. If there have been no further episodes of sleep walking 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 sleep walking episodes.
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How can I keep my child safe when they sleepwalk?
- If your child sleepwalks, do not allow them to sleep on the top bunk.
- Be mindful of trip hazards; keep their bedroom floor clear of toys and other obstacles.
- Fix a stair gate to their door or to the top of the stairs.
- Make sure all windows are secure.
Finally, remember 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.