Sleepwalking, or somnambulism, is a sleep disorder in which a child may get up and move around while still asleep. Although they may appear awake—walking, talking, or performing simple tasks—the child remains in a deep stage of sleep and usually has no memory of the episode afterward.

Sleepwalking is more common in children than in adults and often occurs during the first few hours of sleep. While the behavior can seem unsettling, most cases are not linked to serious medical issues and tend to resolve over time.

What Does Sleepwalking Look Like in Children?

Sleepwalking involves more than just getting out of bed. Children who sleepwalk may:

  • Sit up suddenly in bed

  • Wander through the house

  • Talk or mumble incoherently

  • Seem confused or dazed

  • Have their eyes open with a blank or glassy expression

  • Repeat simple actions, like adjusting clothing or moving objects

  • Respond slowly or with nonsense words when spoken to

During these episodes, children are typically unresponsive to their surroundings and difficult to wake up.

Is Sleepwalking Dangerous?

While sleepwalking itself is usually harmless, it can pose safety risks if a child trips, opens a door, or leaves the house during an episode. Accidents like falling down stairs or bumping into furniture are possible, which is why taking safety precautions at home is important.

How to Keep Your Sleepwalking Child Safe

If your child sleepwalks, consider making small adjustments to their environment to help prevent injury:

  • Lock exterior doors and windows securely

  • Use safety gates to block access to stairs, especially at night

  • Remove sharp objects or potentially hazardous items from reach

  • Keep floors clear of toys or clutter to avoid tripping

  • Secure car keys if you have an older child or teen

  • Install alarms or door chimes to alert you if your child is up during the night

Do not try to wake your child suddenly during a sleepwalking episode, as this may lead to confusion or agitation. Instead, gently guide them back to bed if needed.

What Causes Sleepwalking in Kids?

Several factors can trigger sleepwalking in children. These may include:

  • Sleep deprivation or irregular sleep schedules

  • Stress or emotional tension

  • Illness or fever

  • Certain medications

  • Family history of sleepwalking or other sleep disorders

Sleepwalking is most common between the ages of 4 and 12 and often improves or disappears entirely by the teenage years. In most cases, it is not a sign of any serious underlying health condition.

When to Seek Help

Although most cases of childhood sleepwalking are mild, it’s a good idea to speak with your child’s healthcare provider if:

  • The episodes happen frequently

  • Your child shows unusual or dangerous behavior during sleepwalking

  • There are signs of disrupted sleep or extreme fatigue during the day

  • You have concerns about safety or possible medical causes

In rare cases, further evaluation by a sleep specialist may be recommended to rule out other sleep disorders or medical issues.

Final Thoughts

Sleepwalking in children can be surprising and sometimes worrisome for parents, but it is usually harmless and temporary. Creating a safe sleep environment, promoting healthy sleep habits, and observing your child’s sleep patterns are effective steps in managing this behavior. With time and care, most children outgrow sleepwalking as their sleep patterns mature.