Childhood sleepwalking is a sleeping 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 happens during deep sleep and can last from a few seconds to even 40 minutes.
Sleepwalking does not always have a cure and usually begins between 2 and 3 years of age and disappears in adolescence, although it can continue into adulthood. The cause is still unknown, but episodes of somnambulism, which typically begin 2 hours after a child's sleep, are believed to be related to brain immaturity.
The sleepwalking child can:
- Sit in bed;
- Pee in inappropriate places;
- Get up and walk around the house;
- Open doors, windows or drawers;
- Run;
- Eating and, therefore, cavities and excess weight may be complications of somnambulism;
- Speak or whisper some confusing, meaningless words or phrases.
In the episode of somnambulism it is normal for the child to keep his eyes open and his gaze seeming to be awake, but despite being able to follow orders, he may not hear or understand nothing of what is said to him.
When you wake up in the morning it is rare for the child to remember what happened during the night.
Treatment for child sleepwalking
There is no treatment for childhood somnambulism because, in general, episodes of somnambulism are mild and disappear in adolescence. However, if somnambulism is very frequent and persistent, the child should be taken to the pediatrician or to the doctor who specializes in sleep disorders.
However, parents can take certain measures to help reduce episodes of sleepwalking and prevent their child from getting hurt, such as:
- Create a sleep routine;
- To regulate the hours of sleep of the child, ensuring that she sleeps enough hours;
- Avoid giving stimulating medications or drinks to the child so as not to leave them awake;
- Avoid very hectic play before bed;
- Do not shake or attempt to wake the child in the midst of an episode of sleepwalking so that she does not become frightened or stressed;
- Talk calmly with the child and take it carefully to the room, waiting for the sleep to return to normal;
- Keep the child's room without sharp objects, furniture or toys in which it may stumble or become injured;
- Keep sharp objects such as knives and scissors or cleaning products out of the child's reach;
- Avoid having the child sleep on the top of the 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 provide safety to the child. See what else you can do to combat your child's sleepwalking.
What can cause somnambulism 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, sleepless nights, stress and fever.
Sleepwalking does not indicate that the child has psychological or emotional problems.
