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Child sleepwalking is a sleep disorder in which the child is asleep, 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;
- Peeing in inappropriate places;
- Get up and walk around the house during sleep;
- Speak or whisper some confusing, meaningless words or phrases;
- Don't remember anything you did in your sleep.
During sleepwalking episodes it is normal for the child to have his eyes open and his eyes fixed, appearing 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 may 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 specializing 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 at the same time;
- Regulate the child's sleep hours, ensuring that he gets enough hours;
- Avoid giving the child medications or stimulating drinks so as not to keep him awake;
- Avoid very busy games before bed;
- Do not shake or try to wake the child in the middle of an episode of sleepwalking so that he is not scared or stressed;
- Speak calmly with the child and take him carefully to the room, hoping that sleep will return to normal;
- Keep the child's room free of sharp objects, furniture or toys in which the child may trip or be injured;
- Keep sharp objects, such as knives and scissors or cleaning products, out of the child's reach;
- Prevent the child from sleeping 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 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.