Parasomnias are disorders that are common in children. They range from light sleep walking to night terrors, confusion and temporary paralysis. Most children eventually grow out of these disorders. In most cases, incidences occur less frequently as the child grows into a teenager or adult, suggests the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. However, more serious cases of parasomnia can result in injury to the child, such as a fall or wandering outside during the night. When this is the case, it's important to take precautions to help keep your child safe and cope with the parasomnias.
Step 1
Secure all windows in your child's room with locks. This prevents your child from being able to open the window in his sleep during a sleepwalking event.
Step 2
Lock all doors that lead outside after you tuck your child into bed for the night.
Step 3
Purchase door and window alarms from your local home improvement store. Remove the adhesive off the back of the alarm; follow the manufacturer's directions on how to place both parts of the alarms on each side of the window or door. These alarms go off when a door or window opens, creating a gap between both halves of the alarm.
Step 4
Keep your child's room clear of clutter. Place furniture on the outside edges of the room so that, if your child sleepwalks, she does not stub her feet or trip.
Step 5
Put your child in a room that's on the first floor of your home. A second or higher room floor places your child at risk of falling down the stairs during a parasomina event.
Step 6
Place a baby monitor in your child's room to wake you up if your child is having a confusion arousal or a night terror, allowing you to go comfort the child if necessary.
Step 7
Schedule an appointment with a behavioral specialist or psychologist with experience treating parasomnias. The specialist will help determine possible causes of your child's parasomnia; ask him to recommend therapeutic or medicinal remedies as needed.
Things You'll Need
- Door and window alarms
- Baby monitor
