Sleepwalking is considered an abnormal behavior during sleep. It is often found during deep sleep, which is the first 1-2 hours after falling asleep, and upon waking, the person does not remember the events that occurred during the sleepwalking episode. Sleepwalking can be divided into 2 symptom groups:
1. Night terrors
Sleep talking is often observed, with or without behaviors showing extreme fear such as crying, screaming, trembling, sweating, or sometimes sitting up but not walking. The episode usually lasts about 10 minutes. If awakened, the person will be confused and not remember the event. It commonly occurs in children aged 4-12 years and usually disappears during adolescence.
Sleepwalking in young children is not associated with psychiatric disorders. However, since sleepwalking has a genetic cause, if there is a family history of sleepwalking, the prevalence increases to 10%. Doctors usually advise parents that this condition will resolve as the child grows older. If episodes are frequent, parents may try waking the child about 15-30 minutes before the expected episode for about 2-4 weeks or until the sleepwalking stops.
2. Sleepwalking
This involves walking while asleep without awareness but avoiding obstacles. The person may open doors and leave the house, which poses a risk of accidents. It is commonly found in children aged 8-10 years. If there is a family history of sleepwalking, the prevalence increases tenfold. Triggers include insufficient sleep, sleep apnea, and periods of illness.
Parents can care for children by establishing good sleep habits. The bedroom should be made safe so the child cannot open doors and leave the room to avoid danger. Door knob alarms may be installed. If a child is found sleepwalking, they should be gently guided back to bed without waking them up.
When to see a doctor for sleepwalking
- The child is excessively sleepy during the day and frequently so
- The child has difficulty concentrating or is hyperactive during the day
- Severe symptoms that risk injury, such as jumping from heights
- Risk factors from snoring and possible sleep apnea, such as loud snoring every night and obesity
Creating good sleep habits… helps
- Go to bed at the same time every night
- Pre-bedtime activities should promote relaxation, such as reading a story, bathing and then going to bed immediately, or practicing meditation or massage
- Avoid exciting or scary activities before bed, such as rough play, intense exercise, watching movies, telling scary stories, or reading frightening books
- Avoid stimulants before bedtime, including screen media, caffeinated drinks, chocolate, tea, and cola
- The bedroom should be used only for sleeping and resting. Avoid other activities in the bedroom such as watching TV, working, doing homework, playing, or using it as a punishment time-out area
- Create a restful bedroom environment, such as no disturbing lights, no noise, and a comfortable temperature
- Ensure bedroom safety, such as no sharp objects, locking doors and windows properly, installing alarms or bells on doors and windows, keeping things organized and tidy, and avoiding excessive furniture or items in the bedroom
- Do not allow children who sleepwalk to sleep on the top bunk of bunk beds
