Sleepwalking in children, also known as pediatric sleepwalking, is similar to sleepwalking in adults. It occurs when a child gets up while asleep and is unaware of moving or engaging in activities. Most children grow out of this behavior, and it’s mostly harmless. However, activity during sleep can present some dangers and should be addressed.

In this post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about pediatric sleepwalking, including:

• What is pediatric sleepwalking?
• What causes sleepwalking in children?
• Is sleepwalking dangerous for children?
• How can I treat sleepwalking in my child?

The Science Behind Sleepwalking

Sleepwalking also referred to as somnambulism, is a parasomnia. Parasomnias are disruptive sleep-related events that can occur during any stage of sleep. Parasomnias are abnormal behaviors or perceptions that happen while falling asleep, sleeping, or waking up.

Throughout history, sleepwalking has been associated with many myths and legends. For example, in some cultures, sleepwalkers were thought to be possessed by evil spirits. In other cultures, sleepwalking was a sign of impending death.

Despite the many myths and legends surrounding sleepwalking, the condition was not well understood until the late 19th century. German chemist and parapsychologist Baron Karl Ludwig von Reichenbach was one of the first to study sleepwalking scientifically.

Sleepwalking - what we know now

Today, we know that sleepwalking is a relatively common condition. The National Sleep Foundation estimates that up to 5 percent of Americans sleepwalk in the United States.

Although most episodes are benign and self-limited, sleepwalking can occasionally lead to serious injury. The exact cause of sleepwalking is unknown, but it is thought to be associated with a combination of genetic and environmental factors, which will be discussed below.

Sleepwalking typically occurs during deep sleep (slow-wave or delta sleep), when the brain is less responsive to external stimuli.

Child Sleepwalking - A Brief Intro

Sleepwalking isn’t the same in adults and children. Every child is different, but these are some of the common factors and symptoms:

• Most children sleepwalk within one to two hours of falling asleep.
• A child’s episode typically lasts between a few seconds and 30 minutes.
• A child might sit up, talk, stumble, walk clumsily, or engage in repetitive motions during somnambulism.
• Most kids outgrow sleepwalking by their teens.

When it comes to children, sleepwalking usually starts between the ages of 4 and 8 years old. It’s more common in boys than girls and often runs in families. A child’s sleepwalking might last a few minutes or even half an hour.

Is Child Sleepwalking Genetic?

Even without a definitive cause, there are known risk factors, including heredity. Sleepwalking tends to run in families, so there is likely a genetic component.According to research, a child with at least one parent who has ever sleepwalked is three times more likely to engage in the same behavior.

Other risk factors or potential causes for pediatric sleepwalking include sleep deprivation, sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, night terrors, narcolepsy or restless legs syndrome, stress, fevers, and certain medications.

When your child sleepwalks - what to do and what not to do

If you find your child sleepwalking, trying and stopping them can be tempting. But it’s important to resist the urge to do so. Instead, here are some tips on what you should do:

• Try to guide your child back to bed without waking them up. If they resist, don’t force them.
• Don’t try to talk to them or reason with them – they won’t be able to understand you.
• Make sure the environment is safe. Remove any potential hazards, such as loose cords or staircases. Your child’s bedroom should be on the ground floor, if possible, and your child’s bed should have a bed rail.
• If possible, put a baby monitor in their room so you can keep an eye on them.
• Some child-safe sleepwalking alarms are available. These can be placed on your child’s door or window to notify you if they leave the room.
• Don’t try to restrain them, as this can lead to injury.
• Don’t panic.
• Don’t wake them up – this can be disorienting and may cause them to become agitated.
• Don’t have them sleep in a bunk bed. This is a fall risk.

After the sleepwalking episode, your child will likely return to sleep and have no memory of it in the morning. Sleepwalking usually isn’t dangerous, but there are some risks to be aware of. For example, a child might:

• Fall down the stairs
• Walk out of the house
• Get lost
• Eat or drink something poisonous
• Have a motor vehicle accident

Preventing kids sleepwalking

Help your child sleep well, and sleepwalk less often by following these tips:

Create a normal sleep schedule and stick to it as much as possible.

This means going to bed and getting up simultaneously every day, even on weekends. Aim for at least 10 hours of sleep when your child falls asleep.

Ensure your child’s sleeping environment is dark, quiet, and cool.

A comfortable environment will help promote deep and restful sleep. Blackout curtains, white noise machines, and cool-mist humidifiers can help create the ideal conditions for sleep.

Limit screen time before bed.

The bright light from screens can interfere with sleep. You should aim to turn off all screens at least 30 minutes before bedtime.

Encourage your child to relax before bedtime.

This can include reading a book, taking a bath, or doing light stretches. Relaxing activities will help ease your child into sleep.

Encourage your child to get enough exercise during the day.

Physical activity can help reduce stress and promote better sleep at night. Some research suggests that physically active children are less likely to sleepwalk.

Put your child to bed drowsy but awake.

This will help them get used to falling asleep on their own. You can try telling a story to help your child get drowsy.

Treatment for Sleepwalking in Children

Most children don’t need treatment for sleepwalking as it usually goes away on its own. However, if your child is frequently sleepwalking or if you’re concerned about their safety, talk to your pediatrician.

There is a treatment called scheduled awakening, where you wake your child up before they have a chance to sleepwalk. This is usually done 30 minutes before their usual bedtime. The goal is to prevent them from entering deep sleep when sleepwalking is most likely to occur.

Your doctor may also prescribe sleep medicine if your child is frequently sleepwalking. Medications used to treat sleepwalking include:

• Antidepressants
• Anti-anxiety medications
• Sedatives
• Sleep aids

It is important to consult with a doctor before giving your child any medications, as there can be side effects.

Your Pediatrician Is Your Best Friend

Most sleepwalking episodes are brief and harmless, but the risks are real. If changes to your child’s sleep routine and environment don’t change their sleepwalking behaviors and you are concerned about safety, see your pediatrician. They can rule out any underlying medical conditions and other sleep disorders and guide you on how to best manage the situation. Your local children’s hospital can also provide resources and support; some even have sleep clinics specifically for children.

Improve Sleep to Reduce Kid’s Sleepwalking

Unless your child has an underlying condition causing somnambulation, improving their overall sleep can help.

This means creating a stable routine for bedtime and ensuring your child gets adequate sleep. Create a routine that revolves around the same bedtime every night. It could include reading a story, taking a warm bath, or listening to soft music together. Make sure your child’s room is comfortable, dark, and quiet, and wake them up at the same time every day.

Turn to the BetterSleep appto enhance the bedtime routine. Listen to children’s stories read in a soothing voice and create mixes of sounds or music your child likes. If your home has disruptive sounds at night, use the white noise feature to create a better sonic environment for sleep. Talk to your child’s doctor if your child continues to sleep poorly or if improved sleep does not reduce sleepwalking.