Posted by NHS Choices on February 25, 2015 · Leave a Comment
In this brief video, a neurologist and sleep expert describes common symptoms and triggers of sleepwalking – a nighttime activity that as many as 20% of children will engage in at some point. She also gives advice on how to manage your child’s sleepwalking behavior before bed and during the night.
Editor’s Note: Video Highlights
Anyone can sleepwalk – any time between the first and second year of life to as late as in their 70s- It occurs usually in the first part of the night when we have most of our deep sleep – and occurs as you wake very abruptly from deep sleep
- Stress is the most common trigger of sleepwalking, but can also be seen in kids who are not very good at letting go at bedtime and carry a lot of mental activity to bed with them
- There can be other triggers, like needing to go to the bathroom – so make sure they go before bedtime
- Don’t limit daytime naps in order to prevent nighttime sleepwalking – this can contribute to the problem
- During an episode, make sure they are safe and lead them gently back into bed before waking them briefly
From www.nhs.uk
