Sometimes parents notice that a child can get out of bed at night, walk around the room, or even perform familiar actions while remaining asleep. This condition is called sleepwalking, or somnambulism. Experts note that this phenomenon is most commonly observed in children and is usually related to the peculiarities of the nervous system's functioning.
What is Sleepwalking
Sleepwalking, or somnambulism, is a sleep disorder in which a person can perform various actions while remaining in a deep sleep state. At this moment, the part of the brain responsible for movement is active, while the areas that control consciousness continue to "sleep." Therefore, a child is capable of walking around the room, talking, or playing without being aware of what is happening.
Such episodes most often occur in the first half of the night during the deep sleep phase and can last from a few seconds to half an hour.
After waking up, children typically do not remember what happened during the night.
Why Does This Happen
The exact causes of somnambulism are not fully understood; however, specialists identify several factors that may contribute to its occurrence.
Among them:
-
Immaturity of the nervous system, characteristic of childhood;
-
Severe fatigue or lack of sleep;
-
Stress and emotional experiences;
-
Genetic predisposition;
-
Overloading the nervous system with impressions or active play before bedtime.
According to specialists, such episodes are most commonly found in preschool and early school-aged children, when the nervous system is actively developing.
How Does Childhood Sleepwalking Manifest
During an episode, a child may behave as if they are awake:
-
Sitting up in bed or getting up;
-
Walking around the room or apartment;
-
Talking or mumbling;
-
Performing simple actions — opening doors, picking up toys.
At the same time, their gaze is usually vacant, there is almost no reaction to being addressed, and in the morning, the child remembers nothing of what occurred.
What Parents Should Do
In most cases, childhood sleepwalking does not pose a serious danger and may resolve as the child grows older. However, specialists recommend following several safety rules:
-
Remove potentially dangerous items from the room;
-
Close windows and doors at night;
-
Monitor the child's regular sleep schedule;
-
Avoid overexertion and strong emotional stress before bedtime.
If episodes occur frequently, are accompanied by aggressive behavior, or lead to injuries, it is advisable to consult a neurologist or a sleep disorder specialist.
Leave a comment