Sleepwalking in Children: Understanding and Protecting

Sleepwalking, also known as somnambulism, is a phenomenon that is usually not harmful, but it is important to set up the sleeping environment so that the sleepwalker cannot injure himself. Here's what you need to know about sleepwalking and how to deal with it.

What's sleepwalking?

Sleepwalking is a parasomnia, a condition in which abnormal symptoms or behaviors occur during sleep. It occurs in the first part of the night, one to three hours after sleeping, during the stage of deep non-REM sleep, and has nothing to do with dreams.

How often does it happen?

Sleepwalking can occur at any age, but it affects children between four and twelve years old. About 15 to 20 percent of the children sleepwalk at least once, with boys being more often affected than girls. It is less common in adults, with estimates ranging from 1 to 4 percent.

Symptoms of sleepwalking:

• Abortive form: The person sits upright in bed and makes exciting movements.
• Manifest form: The sleeper gets up and walks around.
• The episodes usually last no longer than 10 to 15 minutes and can sometimes repeat themselves during the same night.
• During sleepwalking there is a reduced consciousness and the sleepwalker hardly responds to stimuli from the environment.
• The sleepwalker usually doesn't remember the event.

Causes of sleepwalking:

• Hereditary predisposition plays a role, with ten to twenty percent of sleepwalkers who have relatives who also sleepwalk.
• Age: Children sleep deeply but exhibit great softness, which can affect the transition from deep sleep to awake walking.
• Environmental factors such as daytime stress, changes in sleep-watch rhythm, fatigue and lack of sleep can play a role.
• Fever can be an inciting factor in children who are sensitive to it.
• Alcohol or drug use and certain medications can provoke sleepwalking.
• People with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome may also exhibit nightly episodes of confusion and disorientation, similar to sleepwalking.

Is sleepwalking dangerous?

Sleepwalking is generally not harmful, but it is important to prevent the sleepwalker from injuring himself. A fixed sleep ritual and safe sleeping environment can help reduce the impact of sleepwalking. Measures such as removing obstacles, closing stairs and doors, and using protective measures in the bedroom can all contribute to the safety of the sleepwalker. It is important not to wake a sleepwalker, but to guide him quietly to bed to minimize sleep disruption.