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Parasomnias are disorders that disrupt sleep. Parasomnias are far more common in children than in adults. Most of the time parasomnias only happen occasionally and are nothing to worry about.
If your child has frequent parasomnias—or they are negatively impacting his waking life—it may be time to see a doctor.
Everyone has nightmares sometimes. These vivid, scary dreams are especially common for kids, who often have trouble falling back asleep after waking from one. They are a normal part of childhood development that may begin as early as 18 months of age.
Sleepwalking, or somnambulism, most often occurs in children between the ages of 5 and 12. Aside from nightmares, it is the most well known of the parasomnias. It is more common in boys and usually goes away by adolescence. Contrary to popular belief, it's not dangerous to wake a sleepwalker.
Sleep talking, or somniloquy, is a parasomnia in which a child talks during sleep. Like sleepwalking, sleep talking affects more boys than girls. As with the other parasomnias, sleep talking usually doesn't usually last long and often goes away by the early teen years.
Sleep terrors, also known as night terrors, are perhaps the most frightening of the parasomnias. Children with sleep terrors may sweat, scream or sit up in bed during an episode. Sleep terrors are not nightmares. Instead, unlike nightmares, which occur during REM sleep, sleep terrors happen during non-REM sleep. A child waking from a sleep terror usually can't remember why he was afraid. Sleep terrors may last for up to 20 minutes. Fortunately, they are rare and only affect between 1 and 6% of children.
Your child's doctor may order a sleep study (polysomnography) as well. During a sleep study, your child will stay overnight in a sleep lab. Doctors will use sensors and cameras to track your child's brain waves, heartbeat and eye movements, among other things.
Parasomnias may be genetic, as they often run in families. Some parasomnias can be the result of a brain disorder or caused by other sleep disorders, including sleep apnea or certain medications.
Most of the time, kids with parasomnias don't need any treatment at all. Scheduling a regular bedtime routine or managing your child’s stress can help. Parasomnias usually diminish over time and are rarely a problem by adolescence.
For some kids, the parasomnia is so disruptive to their lives or the operation of the family, certain treatments may help. The treatment will depend on the type and severity of your child's parasomnia.
Childhood nightmares are normal but, for some kids, there may be a psychological reason for their bad dreams. Interventions such as behavioral cognitive therapy, relaxation and hypnosis may help children with nightmares.
Most of the time, interventions work better than treatments for sleepwalking. Despite what you may have heard, it's not dangerous to wake a sleepwalking child. If you do, remember to be gentle as she will probably be disoriented or confused. Keep areas near the bed free from clutter and dangerous objects. Sometimes doctors will prescribe tranquilizers, which can help reduce the number of episodes.
Treatment isn't usually needed for sleep talking children. If it persists over a long period of time, it may be due to stress or anxiety. As with nightmares, behavioral interventions may help.
Sleep terrors usually go away by the time a child reaches 5 years of age. If they don't, or are frequent and severe, behavioral therapies can help. Very rarely, doctors will prescribe medications such as benzodiazepines or certain antidepressants to treat sleep terrors.
Nearly all kids have a parasomnia, especially during early childhood. Most parasomnias go away as a child ages, usually disappearing almost completely by adolescence.
Most parasomnias are obvious. If your child walks or talks in his sleep, he has a parasomnia. Your child will usually let you know if she has had a nightmare. Kids with sleep terrors may bolt upright in bed, eyes wide, screaming and sweating.
Because of its symptoms, sleep terrors are probably the most unsettling parasomnia—especially for parents. Children with sleep terrors rarely remember what frightened them.
Nearly all children outgrow their particular parasomnia. Even kids with severe parasomnias usually go on to lead healthy lives.
No, it’s perfectly safe to wake your child and lead her back to bed. Make sure you remove anything that can be dangerous from underfoot or near the bed, though.