Medical Services

Sleepwalking, also called somnambulism, is a sleep disorder in which a child gets out of bed and performs simple or complex activities while remaining asleep. It commonly occurs during deep non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, usually within the first few hours after falling asleep. Sleepwalking is most frequent in children between the ages of four and twelve and often decreases as they grow older.

During an episode, a child may walk around the house, sit up in bed, talk, open doors, or perform routine actions with little awareness of their surroundings. Their eyes may be open, but they are difficult to wake and usually have no memory of the event the next morning. Sleep deprivation, stress, fever, irregular sleep schedules, and a family history of sleepwalking can increase the likelihood of episodes.

Parents should focus on keeping the child safe by locking doors and windows, removing dangerous objects, and guiding the child gently back to bed rather than trying to wake them suddenly. Establishing a consistent sleep routine and ensuring adequate rest can help reduce episodes. If sleepwalking occurs frequently, results in injuries, or continues into adolescence or adulthood, medical evaluation is recommended. Early identification and appropriate management can improve sleep quality, enhance safety, and support a child's healthy physical and emotional development.