“What is the cause of sleepwalking?”
My 11 year old son is sleepwalking and it scared me and my husband. What is the cause of sleepwalking?
7 Answers
Sleepwalking is very common in children and usually a self-limiting problem as they get older. It occurs in deep (N3) sleep, not in dream sleep. Sleep deprivation which results in deep sleep rebound the following night could precipitate sleepwalking. Safety is a major concern.
Sleep walking is fairly common and not a problem in most cases. Consider seeing a neurologist or psychiatrist for guidance.
Most is unknown, but good news is that he will grow out of it. Just gently redirect him to bed, don’t be scared.
Hope that helps.
Hope that helps.
Sleepwalking is a disorder of the sleep control centers of the brain. The causes maybe neurological or psychological or a combination of both. It is advised that the child seeks the professional opinion of a specialist, especially if there are safety concerns. I hope this helps, than you! Dr. Dodd, MD.
Insecurity
From: https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1188854-overview#a4
The parasomnias have been thought to represent not pathologic cerebral functioning but, rather, a response to central nervous system (CNS) activation that results in sleep-wake or rapid eye movement (REM)–NREM state confusion, instability, or overlap. However, studies have demonstrated differences between sleep patterns and neuronal sleep control mechanisms in individuals who have parasomnias and corresponding patterns and mechanisms in individuals who do not.
Normal sleep involves cyclic hypnic patterns throughout the night between wakefulness, NREM, and REM states. The CNS remains active during all sleep-wake states, though rapid changes are required in neural networks, rhythms, and neurotransmitters with state changes. The length of each cycle averages 50 minutes for a full-term newborn, increasing to approximately 90 minutes by adolescence.
Slow-wave sleep (SWS) normally occurs in the first 2 hypnic cycles; younger children have an additional SWS period toward the end of the sleep period. Children typically enter their deepest sleep within 15 minutes of sleep onset, and this first SWS period lasts from 45-75 minutes. This explains why it is easy to move children without rousing them soon after sleep onset.
Parasomnias occur as children are caught in a mixed state of transition from one sleep cycle to the next (eg, from NREM sleep to wakefulness). This transition state is characterized by a high arousal threshold, mental confusion, and unclear perception.
The parasomnias have been thought to represent not pathologic cerebral functioning but, rather, a response to central nervous system (CNS) activation that results in sleep-wake or rapid eye movement (REM)–NREM state confusion, instability, or overlap. However, studies have demonstrated differences between sleep patterns and neuronal sleep control mechanisms in individuals who have parasomnias and corresponding patterns and mechanisms in individuals who do not.
Normal sleep involves cyclic hypnic patterns throughout the night between wakefulness, NREM, and REM states. The CNS remains active during all sleep-wake states, though rapid changes are required in neural networks, rhythms, and neurotransmitters with state changes. The length of each cycle averages 50 minutes for a full-term newborn, increasing to approximately 90 minutes by adolescence.
Slow-wave sleep (SWS) normally occurs in the first 2 hypnic cycles; younger children have an additional SWS period toward the end of the sleep period. Children typically enter their deepest sleep within 15 minutes of sleep onset, and this first SWS period lasts from 45-75 minutes. This explains why it is easy to move children without rousing them soon after sleep onset.
Parasomnias occur as children are caught in a mixed state of transition from one sleep cycle to the next (eg, from NREM sleep to wakefulness). This transition state is characterized by a high arousal threshold, mental confusion, and unclear perception.
Normally due to individual variation, commonly runs in families, most important to keep the environment safe so no injury is possible. Disrupted sleep schedule can make this more common, Keeping a regular sleep schedule and ensuring adequate sleep is the best way to minimize it
Sleepwalking is most common in children, who usually outgrow it by their teens.
Sleepwalking usually occurs one to two hours after falling asleep at night. Rarely, it may involve unusual behaviors, such as climbing out a window or urinating in a closet.
Often, sleepwalking is a random, harmless event. Treatment may be needed if it occurs often or causes injury. Medications and hypnosis may help.
Consult a doctor for medical advice
Sources: Mayo Clinic and others. Learn more
Sleepwalking is most common in children, who usually outgrow it by their teens.
Sleepwalking usually occurs one to two hours after falling asleep at night. Rarely, it may involve unusual behaviors, such as climbing out a window or urinating in a closet.
Often, sleepwalking is a random, harmless event. Treatment may be needed if it occurs often or causes injury. Medications and hypnosis may help.
Consult a doctor for medical advice
Sources: Mayo Clinic and others. Learn more
