Dr. MJ Bazos MD,
Patient Handout
Sleepwalking in
Children
What is sleepwalking?
Sleepwalking is a disorder in which a child
partly, but not completely, awakens during the night. The child may walk or do
other things without any memory of doing so.
What are the symptoms of
sleepwalking?
The child may sit up in bed and repeat certain
movements, such as rubbing his or her eyes or fumbling with clothes. The child
may get out of bed and walk around the room. The child may look dazed, and his
or her movements may be clumsy. When you talk to your child, he or she usually
will not answer you.
What should I do if my child
sleepwalks?
The most important thing you can do is prevent
injury by removing dangerous objects from areas that your child might reach. You
should keep doors and windows closed and locked. This is especially important if
you live in an apartment. If necessary, your child may have to sleep on the
ground floor of your home.
When you find your child sleepwalking, you
should gently guide your child back to bed. You shouldn't yell or make a loud
noise to wake your child up. You shouldn't shake your child. Finally, you should
never make your child feel ashamed about sleepwalking.
Should I worry if my child
sleepwalks?
No. Most children who sleepwalk don't have
emotional problems.
What happens to children who
sleepwalk?
Most children outgrow sleepwalking. If your
child sleepwalks for a long time, talk to your doctor. Your doctor may want to
look at the problem more closely. Some medicines can be used to treat
sleepwalking.