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Sleepwalking and children - Overview

Information:

Question:

Is sleepwalking normal for children?

Answer:

Sleepwalking is a disturbance where a person leaves their bed and walks without being aware of the event. It is usually triggers by poor sleep habits.

In children, sleepwalking starts between ages 6 and 12 and occurs more often in boys than girls. Children usually out grow sleepwalking.

Avoid awakening someone who is sleepwalking, as this may frighten them. Simply steer the person safely back to bed. Try to make the home safer, such as adding gates to stairways, to prevent injury.

Trying to maintain a bedtime routine may help reduce the problem.

  • Reviewed last on: 2/14/2007
  • Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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