Child sleepwalking is a sleep disorder in which the child is sleeping, but seems to be awake, being able to sit, talk or walk around the house, for example. Sleepwalking occurs during deep sleep and can last from a few seconds to even 40 minutes.
Sleepwalking in most cases is curable, disappearing alone in adolescence, although in some people it can continue until adulthood. The specific causes are still unknown, but it is believed that sleepwalking episodes, which normally start 2 hours after the child sleeps, are related to the immaturity of the brain.
Main signs and symptoms
Some common signs of children with sleepwalking include:
- Sit on the bed while sleeping; Pee in inappropriate places; Get up and walk around the house while sleeping; Speak or whisper some confusing, meaningless words or phrases; Don't remember anything you did while sleeping.
During sleepwalking episodes it is normal for the child to have his eyes open and his eyes fixed, seeming to be awake, but despite being able to follow some orders, he may not hear or understand anything that is said.
When he wakes up in the morning it is rare for a child to remember what happened during the night.
What can cause sleepwalking in children
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, poor nights, stress and fever.
In addition, having the urge to pee while sleeping can also increase the appearance of sleepwalking episodes, as the child can get up to pee without waking up, ending up urinating in another place in the house.
Although it can happen due to immaturity of the nervous system, sleepwalking does not indicate that the child has psychological or emotional problems.
How the treatment is done
There is no specific treatment for childhood sleepwalking, as sleepwalking episodes are generally mild and disappear in adolescence. However, if sleepwalking is very frequent and persistent, the child should be taken to a pediatrician or a doctor who specializes in sleep disorders.
However, parents can take certain measures to help reduce sleepwalking episodes and others to prevent the child from getting hurt, such as:
- Create a sleep routine, putting the child to sleep and waking up always at the same time; Regulate the child's sleep hours, ensuring that he sleeps enough hours; Avoid giving the child medications or stimulating drinks so as not to keep him awake; Avoid playing very agitated before going to sleep; Do not shake or try to wake the child in the middle of an episode of sleepwalking so that he does not get scared or stressed; normal; keep the child's room free of sharp objects, furniture or toys in which he may trip or hurt himself; leave sharp objects such as knives and scissors or cleaning products out of the child's reach; prevent the child from sleeping on top bunk, lock the doors of the house and remove the keys, block access to the stairs and put protective screens on the windows.
It is also very important that parents stay calm and transmit security to the child, as stress can increase the frequency with which sleepwalking episodes arise.
Check out other practical tips to combat sleepwalking and protect your child.
