Child Sleep Walking

[firefightermedic]

My 9yr old is sleep walking and talking and almost walked out the door the other night.I am not sure what to do about this.Any help or ideas on what to do would be wonderful.
Thanks,
Doc

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

You should ask her upfront if she is worried or stressed about anything or worried about your health if that is the matter.

Such things can affect the child, at a subconscious level.

It would be a goos idea to consult a sleep specialist and get a sleep study done. Discuss all the problems in detail with your doctor and clarify any doubts that you might be having.

Do let us know about what the doctor tells you.
Good luck.

[firefightermedic]

TY for ur comments.I don't let my daughter on the computer at all and she doesn't have any video games.She and I talk everyday and she reads to me for no less than 30mins each day and I read her a bedtime story everynight then she says her prayers and I tuck her in and she goes to sleep.He bedtime is 8pm on weeknights and it varys on the weekend.She loves school and is very active in other programs as well.The only thing that I know that she could be upset about or worried about is my health and being very sick but we talk about it and we are open w/eachother and she knows that she can ask questions about it but she doesn't know how extensive or serious it honestly is.I am planning on her having a sleep study soon.
Firefightermedic

[scarlet37]

   In REM sleep the body is usually paralyzed which is why most of us cannot act out our dreams. Sometimes there is a disconnect with the brain shutting down this process causing sleepwalking and other parasomnias. This can be related to a REM disorder, but it could also be related to stress as the above MD stated.
    Another good point the doctor stated is about video games and TV.  It is soooo important to know what they are watching and what games they are playing right before bedtime and eliminate anything too stimulating approx. an hour before bedtime.

  Best of luck- please come back and update us your child's progress.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,
The most common cause for sleepwalking and sleeptalking is stress.
Is your child under any kind of stress at home or school? Is there any cause of worry that could be causing emotional turmoil and unrest?
You should sit and talk to him, spend time with him, encourage him to play with his friends and allow minimal television and computer games.
If there is anthing that is worrying him or her, you need to find that out.
Also try to sit with your child for some minutes when you tuck him into bed, mae him read a bedtime stories book or maybe listen to soft music.
That should help.
Do get back with how your child is doing.
Hope this helps.
Good luck.