Noctambulation - Sleepwalking and Children

Sleepwalking is a sleep disorder in which sleeping and waking states are combined. The child partially wakes from deep sleep and carries out some type of activity. Often this is walking, but other detailed activities may be performed. A child has no memory of the event afterward.

What is going on in the body?

Sleepwalking is one type of fairly common, related sleep disorders in children. This group includes:

Sleepwalking is often combined with sleeptalking. Episodes occur at a certain point in the sleep cycle. This is usually 70 to 120 minutes after sleep begins.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

Fifteen percent of healthy children between the ages of 5 and 15 years sleepwalk. Sleepwalking is more common in boys than in girls. It is more likely to occur if a child has had night terrors as a preschooler. A child is also at higher risk if others in the family have had sleep disorders. Being overly tired or stressed may also affect the child's sleep pattern.

What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?

Typically, the sleeping child suddenly sits up. His or her movements are clumsy. There may be repetitive movements of the fingers and hands. The child's eyes may be open, but with a blank stare. Sometimes the child gets out of bed and walks around without purpose. More often, he or she simply lies down again after a period of restless motion. The child may perform clumsy, but purposeful activities such as trying to open a door or trying to get dressed.

The child usually cannot be awakened during one of these episodes. When spoken to, he or she may answer with mumbling and slurred speech. An episode can last 5 to 20 minutes. Afterward, the child lies down and goes back to sleep.

How is the condition diagnosed?

Diagnosis of sleepwalking begins with a medical history and physical exam. A polysomnogram, which is a sleep study test, is usually not needed. The doctor may sometimes order other tests to rule out underlying disorders.

What can be done to prevent the condition?

No one knows how to prevent sleepwalking completely. However, the following measures may help sleepwalking to occur less often.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

Sleepwalking in childhood is a common variation on the sleep pattern. Most children who are affected by it do not have episodes often. It is not linked to mental disorders in children and usually disappears by the time children reach their teen years. Parents should be aware, however, that children can accidentally injure themselves while sleepwalking.

What are the risks to others?

Sleepwalking poses no risk to others.

What are the treatments for the condition?

Another person can help the sleepwalker by taking the following steps.

The following method has been shown to reduce or stop sleepwalking. It is thought to interrupt the abnormal sleep pattern.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

The measures described to change sleep patterns have no known side effects.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

After treatment, the child and parents should continue to follow preventive measures to the sleepwalking from coming back.

How is the condition monitored?

Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the doctor.

Author:John Wegmann, MD
Date Written:
Editor:Crist, Gayle P., MS, BA
Edit Date:10/16/02
Reviewer:Kathleen A. MacNaughton, RN, BSN
Date Reviewed:10/16/02