Nightmares, night terrors and sleepwalking
If you have a child that regularly sleepwalks or has nightmares and night terrors it can seem alarming. They are more common in children than in adults and most do outgrow them. These types of sleep-related behaviours are referred to parasomnias and some experts feel bedwetting falls into the same category.
What to Do If Your Child Is Sleepwalking:
If you find your child sleepwalking, try not to startle or wake them. Gently guide them back to bed with calm, quiet movements. Most children won’t remember the episode the next day, and waking them can cause confusion or distress. For safety, keep floors clear of obstacles, lock external doors, and consider a bell or chime on the bedroom door to alert you if they get up during the night.
There are a few reasons why night terrors may be happening to your child:
Fever:
Sleepwalking can be triggered by fever, especially in children. The increased body temperature during an illness may disrupt the normal sleep cycle and lead to sleepwalking episodes.
Sleep Deprivation and Fatigue:
As every parent knows, the more over-tired your child is, the less likely they are to get a good night’s sleep. It can seem like an endless cycle as one leads to another. Sleepwalking episodes are also more common in children who are sleep-deprived or excessively fatigued.
Sleep Environment:
Sleeping in a room that is too warm or cold can disrupt regular sleep patterns so it’s good to periodically check that this is not the cause. It’s also better for your child to sleep in a darkened room without night-lights as they will have a deeper, more restful night’s sleep. Melatonin—the hormone that helps regulate sleep—is produced more effectively in darkness.
Routine:
Avoid stimulating activities or heavy meals in the hour or two before bedtime, as both can disrupt your child’s ability to fall into deep, restful sleep. A predictable routine helps signal to your child’s brain that it’s time to wind down. Avoid screens for at least an hour before bed and include calming activities like reading or a warm bath. This reduces both anxiety and overstimulation, which can contribute to parasomnias and bedwetting.
Stress and Anxiety:
Emotional stress or anxiety may disrupt the normal sleep cycle and it’s common for children to feel fearful of going to sleep if they’re aware that nightmares are likely to occur. Listening to guided meditation or mindfulness audios will help with this.
Genetics:
There appears to be a genetic component to parasomnia behaviours and if a close relative, such as a parent or sibling, has a history of sleepwalking, an individual may be more likely to experience it as well. But it’s good to keep in mind that one of the above reasons may be the cause and solving these first may eliminate the problem.
If your child is struggling with night time anxiety or a fear of the dark, you’ll find additional help and support in my book ‘First Aid for your Child’s Mind’.
Alicia Eaton is a Children’s Behavioural Specialist. She is the author of the best-selling “Stop Bedwetting in 7 days” book and video training programme. Her other best-selling books include ‘First Aid for your Child’s Mind’ and ‘Words that Work: How to Get Kids to Do Almost Anything’.
For more details see www.aliciaeaton.co.uk.
