Sleepwalking-some of you may have childhood memories of siblings or friends who use to sleepwalk, and you probably wondered whether you should wake them. It is a common misconception that someone who is sleepwalking should not be woken. In fact, it can be quite dangerous not to wake a sleepwalker.
Symptoms of sleepwalking can be as simple as sitting up in bed and looking around. However, these symptoms can become more dangerous to the individual when they include getting out of bed and leaving the room or house.
Other Symptoms of Sleepwalking:
- Sleep talking
- Takes place during deep sleep,
- Little or no memory of the event
- Difficulty arousing the sleepwalker during an episode
- Inappropriate behavior such as urinating in closets (more common in children)
- Screaming (when sleepwalking occurs in conjunction with sleep terrors)
- Violent attacks on the person trying to awaken the sleepwalker
Steps to Prevent Sleepwalking and How to Keep Your Child Safe:
- Sleepwalking can often occur when a child is sleep deprived. Be sure to keep your child on a regimented sleep cycle so they are not overtired
- Keep your child’s room free of tripping hazards and pad any sharp corners that they could bump into
- Use baby gates at the top of staircases
- If your child is a frequent sleepwalker you may want to continue to use a video baby monitor to keep an eye on their activity
- Be sure to keep your front/side/garage doors locked and ensure the lock is out of reach of your child
Many children will outgrow sleepwalking by their teen years. But always contact your physician if you have any concerns
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