Sleepwalking or somnambulism is a fairly common phenomenon in medicine. Very often this condition occurs in children six to twelve years old. Most affected by this disease are boys. As a rule, over time, sleepwalking in a child goes away on its own. The main causes of somnambulism are anxiety, anxiety, stress.
Sleepwalking in a child. What's happening?Despite the fact that the baby’s nervous system and brain are sleeping, his body can move. In a "dormant" state, the sleepwalker 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 cannot 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
A number of signs may indicate the presence of somnambulism in a child . Firstly, if the baby sits on the bed or walks during sleep. Secondly, if he is dozing with his eyes open. Another sign is talking 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. For every child, this phenomenon occurs for various reasons. An important role is given to hereditary predisposition. Experts believe that the most common cause is the uneven process of maturation of a young body. Some departments develop much faster than others, causing an imbalance of various anatomical systems. Often, sleepwalking in a child occurs during puberty. After all, it was during this period that the nervous system rapidly developed. Another significant reason is
stress. A variety of factors can cause it: restless sleep, noisy behavior of others, causing frequent awakening of the baby, trouble at school, a fight on the street, a scary movie, etc.
The fight against sleepwalking
First of all, it should be determined whether sleepwalking in a child is a consequence of stressful situations or whether it is a neurotic phenomenon. Pay attention to phrases, words that your baby says in a dream, and make every effort to eliminate factors disturbing and traumatic to his psyche. If during the “travels” the child twitches, rubs his hands, smackes his lips, makes sudden movements, you should show him to a neuropsychiatrist. Since these signs may indicate serious illness. In any case, if your baby has somnambulia, try to ensure a healthy sleep for your child. Preschoolers just need a daytime “quiet hour”. Protect your baby from any stress, as the psyche of children is very unstable. Before going to bed, limit your child in watching TV, outdoor and active games. So that the night “walks” do not end in tragedy, close the windows and doors well, remove beating and sharp objects away. Never wake the baby while walking. Slowly and quietly bring him to the crib and put him to bed. After lunch, do not give your child strong tea or coffee. Prepare the baby a coniferous-salt soothing bath, close the curtains tightly so that the street lamps do not disturb the sleep, and turn off the nightlights in the room. In general, create a favorable, calm microclimate.