| Sleepwalking and sleep talking are members of a | | | | child’s room for any potential hazards. Bunk beds |
| group of sleep disorders called parasomnias. Though | | | | or any bed that’s high off the floor is probably |
| it’s not known just exactly why children walk | | | | not a good idea for a sleepwalker. Toys, shoes, and |
| and talk in their sleep neither are considered to be | | | | any other objects on the floor should be picked up |
| serious disorders, and are not result of any physical | | | | and put away prior to bedtime. Bedroom doors |
| or psychological problem. Both occur during a | | | | should be shut and windows should be locked, which |
| child’s deep sleep, approximately one to three | | | | will help ensure the child stays in his room and does |
| hours after falling asleep. | | | | not wander around the house. Alarm systems for |
| Sleep talking occurs more often than sleep walking in | | | | doors, windows and even the sleepwalker’s bed |
| children, though they often do occur together. | | | | might also be considered by parents. Sleepwalking |
| Parasomnias tend to run in families, and children may | | | | usually stops by the child’s adolescence, and as |
| experience one, two, or all three types. | | | | long as safety precautions are taken, should not be a |
| Of course, the main concern parents have for their | | | | great cause of concern. |
| sleepwalking child is their safety. A sleepwalking child | | | | Sleep talking is much more common parasomnia. |
| does not have the judgment capabilities he normally | | | | Children who talk in their sleep may speak very |
| does during waking hours, which makes the likelihood | | | | clearly and be easily understood, while others may |
| of injury when sleepwalking great. It may be difficult | | | | mumble, make noises or be incoherent. If children are |
| for parents to protect their sleep-walking children, | | | | speaking loudly and seem upset, it might be a good |
| since they don't make much noise, which makes it | | | | idea for parents to go to their children and comfort |
| difficult for parents to tell when their children are | | | | them without waking them. If they're simply talking, |
| sleepwalking. | | | | it's best just to leave them alone. The episode will |
| The best way to protect their children is to be | | | | probably end within a short period of time. |
| prepared. Parents should completely evaluate their | | | | |