Child Walking or Snoring in Sleep? Know the Causes and How to Handle It

Illustration of the causes and ways to deal with children who sleep walking or talking in their sleep (Freepik/gpoinstudio)

YOGYAKARTA - Seeing a child sleep walking or sleepwalking while sleeping can make you feel worried. The little one may seem like he is awake, but in fact he is still in a sleeping state. This condition is quite common in children and is generally not dangerous, but it is still important for parents to understand the causes and how to deal with it. By knowing more about sleepwalking and sleepwalking, you can help maintain sleep quality while ensuring your child's safety.

Differences between walking and sleepwalking in children

Sleepwalking and sleep talking are sleep disorders that children can experience, but they have different signs. Children who talk usually only talk, make sounds, or mumble while still asleep without doing much movement. Meanwhile, children who experience sleepwalking can sit on the bed, stand up, walk, or do simple activities even though they are not really conscious.

Both of these conditions generally occur when the child is in a deep sleep or non-REM sleep phase. In this phase, the part of the brain that regulates physical activity can work even though the child's consciousness has not completely returned. As a result, the child looks like he is awake, but actually does not realize what he is doing.

Most children who experience sleepwalking or sleepwalking will not remember the incident when they wake up. This episode also usually lasts a short time and stops by itself. Although it may seem worrying, this condition is often part of the development of children's sleep patterns.

Illustration of the causes and ways to handle children who sleep walking or talking in their sleep (Freepik)Causes of children experiencing sleepwalking and sleepwalking

There are several factors that can trigger children to experience sleepwalking or sleepwalking. One of the most common causes is lack of sleep or excessive fatigue. Children who have irregular sleep schedules, too much activity, or have difficulty getting enough rest are more prone to sleep disorders.

Another factor that can play a role is stress, changes in routine, fever, or uncomfortable body conditions. Major changes in a child's life, such as moving rooms, going to a new school, or experiencing certain pressures, can also affect the quality of their sleep.

Family history is also one of the factors that need to be considered. Children who have parents or family members with a history of sleepwalking tend to have a greater chance of experiencing similar conditions. However, in many cases, this habit will decrease as the child grows older.

How to deal with a child who sleeps walking

When a child suddenly walks or sits up while sleeping, try to stay calm and don't wake him up immediately. Children who are awakened suddenly can feel confused, scared, or have trouble going back to sleep. Instead, gently guide the child back to bed with a soft voice and movements that are not surprising.

You also don't need to ask about the incident when the child wakes up. Considering that children are usually unconscious and do not remember what they did while sleeping, the response that makes them feel guilty can actually cause anxiety. The main focus of parents is to help children get comfortable and safe sleep.

Creating a bedtime routine can also help reduce the likelihood of sleep disorders. A consistent sleep schedule, a comfortable room atmosphere, and calming habits such as reading a book before bed can help your child's body be more ready to rest.

Illustration of the causes and ways to handle children who sleep walking or talking in their sleep (Freepik)Keeping the child safe during sleepwalking episodes

Although most cases are harmless, children who sleep walk still have the risk of injury because they are not fully aware of their surroundings. Therefore, it is important for you to ensure that the sleeping area and the house remain safe. Remove sharp objects or items that can easily make children stumble from around the bed.

If your child's room is near stairs, doors, or potentially dangerous areas, take additional precautions. Make sure doors and windows are securely locked, and consider using a stair gate if necessary. The goal is not to restrict your child, but to create a safer environment when these conditions occur.

In addition to maintaining the environment, also pay attention to the overall sleep pattern of the child. Children who get enough sleep and have good rest routines usually have a lower risk of experiencing sleepwalking or sleepwalking episodes.

Signs that a child needs to be examined by a doctor

In most children, sleepwalking and sleep talking do not require special medical treatment. This condition usually decreases naturally as children grow older. However, quoting What To Expect, Thursday, July 9, you should consult a doctor if sleepwalking or sleep talking episodes occur very often, last a long time, cause the child to be injured, or interfere with their daily activities.

Examination is also needed if sleepwalking is accompanied by other signs, such as sleep apnea, excessive daytime drowsiness, or noticeable behavioral changes. These conditions can be a clue to other sleep problems that need attention.

Understanding the condition of children who sleep walking or talking can help you face this situation more calmly. Instead of feeling panicked, parents can focus on creating healthy sleep habits, maintaining the safety of the environment, and paying attention to changes that occur in children. With the right approach, sleep disorders such as talking and walking sleep can be managed so as not to interfere with children's growth and development.