9 year old started sleepwalking

[meikman]

It was around 3:30 am and I almost had a heart attack because I heard what sound like someone was trying to get the house.  But I believe I am more scared because it wasn't a stranger trying to get in it was my daughter trying to get out.  I ask her what she was doing and after a couple of attempts and her none replies to incoherent responses she finally said "I need to go out there."  I finally got her back to bed but now I can't sleep because I afraid that she will get out and our house is really close to the road.  Does anyone have any advice.  I know to keep the doors and windows lock but am afraid that she could unlock them in her sleep.

[margypops]

Of course you do and I undertsand it is indeed a concern...does the door have an inside lock so use a key to lock the inside ,if its has'nt I am sure with your daughter's saftey in mind the land lord would have to give permission to change the locks..or dont tell him..just do it and change it back before you leave ..Well she is 9year old and 8pm isnt late ..what is she watching is it too stimulating, what does she do during the day as school is out is she bust keeping busy , playing, going out for walks .. summers can be very boring ..Its best to relax about it, make no issue that would cause her to feel anxious ..it will go away ..good luck

[meikman]

Thank you, your response was helpful.  She has been staying up much later than normal since school is out.  She typically falls asleep around 8.  She doesn't play video's but she goes to bed I let her lie on the couch and watch T.V. usually cartoons.  I don't know if the landlord would let me put a top bolt on the door.  It is a really old door with the old type of glass.  Which is another story.  Anyways, we are moving in a couple of months and now that has me more worried because we are moving into an apartment.  But I will visit that site you suggested.  I, of course, want to keep her safe and out of the road in the middle of the nite.

[margypops]

Lot of children do sleep walk she will out grow it in a few years , and isnt indicative of emotional disorder. Make bed time a little earler as it may be linked to sleep depravation, tell her a story and maybe have some soft music before bed .Does she watch anything stimulating before bed and Video games or TV ? keeping late evening quiet and calm may help. Put a top bolt on the door to keep her from moving outside ., or lock with a key you then remove back and front of the house .Heres a link that is helpful go to    education.com     it has helpful input from a child psychologist .Good Luck