Sleepwalking is a sleep disturbance that is usually caused by poor sleep habits. The sleepwalker gets out of bed and walks about with no awareness of the event. Sleepwalking, which might run in families, happens more with children than adults. Boys are more likely to be sleepwalkers.
Sleepwalking usually starts between the ages of six and 12, and, eventually, most children outgrow sleepwalking. Sleepwalking is normal and does not harm a child outside of injuries that might occur during the event. To keep a sleepwalker in bed and out of harm's way, caregivers can try different methods.
Step 1
Check your child's bedroom and make sure it a good place for peaceful sleep. Make sure the room is quiet, comfortable and free from clutter. Keep household noise down during sleep times.
Step 2
Set a sleep schedule for your child and make sure he sticks to it. Include a nap time if necessary for a younger child. Increase your child's sleep time by setting bedtime earlier. A sleepy and tired child is more likely to sleepwalk.
Step 3
Talk to your child about things that bother her. Talk about ways to handle stress, like relaxation techniques and reading. Reducing stress can help her sleep better and reduce the likelihood of sleepwalking.
Step 4
Limit how much liquid your child consumes as bedtime nears. Cut down on caffeinated drinks and make sure your child goes to the bathroom before bedtime. A full bladder can make sleepwalking more likely.
Step 5
Create a relaxation routine for your child to follow before bedtime. Have him try different techniques to see which works best for him. Suggest a warm bath, reading, quiet activities, meditation or soothing music.
Step 6
Keep a diary of your child's sleep patterns. Note when he sleepwalks, how long he has been asleep and how long the episode lasts. Children usually sleepwalk within one to two hours of falling asleep. The episode may last for a few seconds or as long as a half hour.
Step 7
Use the sleep diary to set a time to wake up your child after he has fallen asleep. Wake him about 15 minutes before his sleepwalking episode usually starts. Keep him awake for about five minutes and then allow him to go back to sleep. Perform this scheduled awakening for several nights to see if his sleepwalking decreases.
Things You'll Need
- Notebook
- Pen
- Books
- Music CDs
