As my partner and I settled at our kitchen table one late evening, a sudden thud echoed from upstairs. Our son, just 18 months old at the time, had made the transition to a toddler bed in preparation for his sister’s arrival. Though the switch had gone smoothly, he occasionally ventured out of bed to investigate what Mommy and Daddy were up to. I exchanged a knowing look with my partner and decided to handle the mischievous toddler myself.
However, when I reached the stairs, my heart sank. My son stood at the top, teetering at the edge, staring vacantly into the abyss. Trying not to startle him, I cautiously ascended the stairs, fearing he might tumble at any moment. Upon reaching him, I realized he was technically awake but seemed entirely disconnected from reality. He mumbled something about searching for a toy, and it dawned on me: he was sleepwalking.
This revelation sent a wave of terror through me. Immediately after that incident, we installed a safety gate at the top of the stairs to protect him from potential falls during the night. Thirteen years later, that gate remains in place, as our son has not outgrown his sleepwalking episodes.
Sleepwalking, or somnambulism, is relatively common among children, particularly between the ages of 5 and 12. While most children eventually outgrow this behavior, some, like our son, continue to sleepwalk into their teenage years. Though sleepwalking itself poses no direct harm, it often stems from factors like irregular sleep schedules, bedwetting, fatigue, or illness. Over the years, we’ve learned that maintaining a consistent bedtime helps reduce the frequency of his sleepwalking incidents.
For parents of sleepwalking children, nighttime becomes a source of stress and anxiety. When my son was younger, he frequently wandered out of his room, engaging in nonsensical conversations or attempting to interact with imaginary playmates. We often chuckled at these bizarre moments, gently guiding him back to bed. However, as he matured and began attending camps and sleepovers, his sleepwalking became a significant concern.
We made it a point to inform family members, Scout leaders, and friends about his sleepwalking tendencies. It was crucial to have conversations with his best friend about how to assist him should he wander during a sleepover. The safety concerns for parents of sleepwalkers are legitimate, and witnessing your child perform seemingly intentional actions while fast asleep can be unsettling. The fear of them wandering outside and encountering danger—whether from falls or exposure to the elements—keeps us on high alert and often leads to sleepless nights.
What to Do If Your Child is Sleepwalking
If you find yourself witnessing your child’s sleepwalking for the first time, try not to panic. While it’s alarming and peculiar, there are steps you can take to make the experience less traumatic for both of you:
- Stay Calm: Talk to your child in a soft voice and gently guide them back to their bedroom. Loud noises can startle them awake, causing confusion and fear.
- Secure Your Home: Lock all doors and windows, especially in the sleepwalking child’s room. A safety gate at the top of the stairs can prevent dangerous falls.
- Avoid Waking Them: Attempting to rouse a sleepwalker can lead to panic. Instead, most kids are easily led back to bed and won’t recall the incident in the morning.
- Maintain a Consistent Sleep Schedule: Keeping a regular bedtime routine can significantly help reduce sleepwalking episodes. Chronically tired children often experience disturbed sleep.
- Inform Your Neighbors: While it may feel overzealous, notifying neighbors about your child’s sleepwalking can be beneficial. Should your child wander off, a neighbor who knows about the situation can provide assistance.
Despite the fears, sleepwalking has also gifted us with some memorable and humorous family moments. Recently, my son was convinced that his legs were being held together by magnets, causing him to call for help in a dramatic, teenage voice. It was a hilarious scene, and he never remembers these escapades.
As he enters his teenage years, the thought of recording his sleepwalking antics is tempting. I can only imagine the eye-rolling I’d witness if I threatened to share a video of him sleepwalking in his underwear with his friends.
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In summary, while parenting a sleepwalking child can certainly be anxiety-inducing, it can also lead to some light-hearted moments that you will cherish for years to come.