Sleepwalking in a child. What is the reason?

Sleepwalking or somnambulism is a fairly common phenomenon in medicine. Very often this condition occurs in children six to twelve years old. Most susceptible to this disease are boys. As a rule, over time, sleepwalking in the child passes by itself. The main causes of somnambulism - anxiety, stress, stress.

Sleepwalking in a child. What's happening?

Despite the fact that the nervous system and the baby's brain are asleep, his body can move. In the "dormant" state the lunatic child is able to get out of bed and wander around the apartment. At the same time, his eyes are open, but, since the brain is in a sleeping state, the baby can not respond or answer the questions of the parents. As a rule, the period of "wakefulness" is fifteen minutes. However, in some babies this time can be significantly increased.

Sleepwalking in children. Symptoms

The presence of somnambulism in a child can be evidenced by a number of signs. First, if the baby is sitting on the bed during sleep or walking. Secondly, if he is dozing with his eyes open. Another sign - talk during sleep, sounds, phrases, etc.

Sleepwalking in children. Causes

Somnambulism manifests itself against the background of strong emotional experiences, anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, during periods of active maturation. Each child has this phenomenon for various reasons. An important role is assigned to the hereditary predisposition. Experts believe that the most common cause is the uneven process of maturation of a young organism. Some departments develop much faster than others, causing an imbalance of different anatomical systems. Quite often, sleepwalking in a child occurs during puberty. It is during this period that the nervous system is developing rapidly. Another significant cause is stress. It can be caused by a variety of factors: restless sleep, noisy behavior of others, causing a frequent awakening of the baby, trouble in school, street fight, scary movie, etc.

Fighting with sleepwalking

First of all, it should be determined whether the child's sleepwalking is the result of stressful situations or whether it is a neurotic phenomenon. Pay attention to the phrases, words that your baby utters in a dream, and do your best to eliminate the disturbing and traumatic factors of his psyche. If during the "travel" the child twitches, rubs his hands, smacks, makes violent movements, you should show him to the psychoneurologist. Since these signs can indicate serious diseases. In any case, if your baby has a somnambulist, try to provide your child with a healthy sleep. Preschoolers simply need a daytime "quiet hour". Protect the baby from all stresses, because the children's psyche is very unstable. Before going to bed, limit the child to watching TV, moving and active games. To night "walks" did not end with a tragedy, close the windows and doors well, move away the beating and sharp objects far away. Do not wake your baby while walking. Slowly and quietly bring him to bed and put him to bed. After dinner, do not give the child strong tea or coffee. Prepare the baby coniferous-salt soothing bath, close the curtains so that street lights do not disturb sleep, and turn off the nightlights in the room. In general, create a favorable, quiet microclimate.