Sleepwalking
Sleepwalking happens when your child gets up or moves around while still asleep.
It usually occurs in the first few hours after they go to bed. Sleepwalking is quite common in children, and most grow out of it as they get older.
Even though the name suggests walking, it can involve many different actions, such as:
- walking or wandering around the house
- moving or rearranging furniture
- eating or looking for food
During sleepwalking, your child’s eyes might be open, but their expression often looks blank or distant. If you talk to them, they might respond in short, confused sentences that don’t make much sense.
Sleepwalking might look unusual, but it’s usually harmless. With the right safety steps, most children stay safe and eventually outgrow it
How common is sleepwalking in children?
About 1 in 3 children sleepwalk at some point. It’s most common between the ages of 4 and 8.
How to keep your child safe
If your child sleepwalks, you can help keep them safe by:
- setting up a safe sleep space
- using a low bed or mattress to lower the chance of falls
- clearing items from their bedroom floor
- locking windows and doors
- installing a safety gate if you have stairs
See Creating a healthy sleep environment for more tips on how to help reduce the incidence of sleepwalking episodes.
Should you wake a sleepwalking child?
It’s not dangerous to wake a sleepwalking child, but it can leave them feeling confused, upset, or angry. Instead, gently guide them back to bed without waking them. Most children don’t remember the episode in the morning. straining or yelling at a sleepwalker may cause confusion, disorientation or aggression though.
When to see a doctor
Talk to your child and family health nurse or doctor if sleepwalking:
- happens most nights or gets worse
- causes distress for your child or family
- becomes dangerous, like running or going outside
- disrupts your child’s daily routines
- continues beyond the school years