Managing Sleepwalking in Children: Suggestions and Dietary Options
Sleepwalking, or somnambulism, is a common sleep disorder that affects children more than adults. This condition, characterised by getting out of bed and walking around during sleep, is known as a parasomnia in children. Although most sleepwalking episodes do not indicate any major issues and do not require special medical attention, understanding the causes and symptoms can help parents take preventive measures.
Sleepwalking is more prevalent in children than adults, and it often occurs one to two hours after a child goes to sleep, peaking in the early hours of the night. Common symptoms include open eyes, sitting up in bed without waking, walking around, watery eyes and a glazed look, not interacting with others, being disorganized and confused, having nightmares or sleep terrors, difficulty waking from sleepwalking episodes, difficulty focusing in the daytime due to interrupted sleep, and not being able to recall the incident in the morning.
The causes of sleepwalking are still not fully understood, but scientists believe that there could be a connection between heredity and sleepwalking. Research suggests that children who are genetically predisposed are more likely to sleepwalk when exposed to sleep deprivation, stress, or sleep disruptions. Key contributors to sleepwalking in children include genetic predisposition, sleep disruptions, stress and anxiety, and environmental factors.
Genetic predisposition plays a significant role, with about 80% of sleepwalkers having a family history of the condition. Identical twins are five times more likely to both experience sleepwalking compared to non-identical twins, indicating a strong genetic factor. Sleep disruptions, such as sleep deprivation, chronic overtiredness, or irregular sleep schedules, can trigger sleepwalking episodes. Psychological stress or anxiety can also precipitate sleepwalking in predisposed children. Environmental factors, such as changes in sleeping environment or routines, illness, and fever, may also contribute.
Parents can take steps to control sleepwalking in children. A proper bedtime routine, waking children if they consistently sleepwalk at the same hour each night, avoiding sugary or caffeinated drinks before bedtime, providing a comfortable bed setting, supporting their child, engaging them in physical activities, limiting screen time, avoiding telling scary bedtime stories, and giving them toys to make them feel safe can all help reduce episodes.
In addition, certain foods and herbs are believed to provide daily nutrition for immunity, eye, brain development, bone strength, and overall growth, and may help manage sleepwalking. The Kids & Teens Brain Booster Spread, for instance, is fortified with Ayurvedic herbs and is free of preservatives, refined sugar, and palm oil. Chamomile and lemon balm are included in the Kids & Teens Sleep Well Chocolate Spread to help children with difficulty falling asleep and poor sleep cycles. Pumpkin seeds, rich in tryptophan, magnesium, fiber, antioxidants, and zinc, may help regulate sleep cycles and manage sleepwalking. Nuts like almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and cashews are often considered good food sources for sleep due to their content of melatonin, magnesium, vitamin B6, protein, and zinc. Cocoa powder, packed with antioxidants, is beneficial for brain development and cognition.
It's important to note that lemon balm extracts have been shown to improve symptoms of hyperactivity, attention deficits, and impulsivity in children. However, it's always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before introducing any new supplements to a child's diet.
Most children grow out of sleepwalking by the time they hit adolescence, although it can occasionally last into adulthood. Taking preventive measures to avoid crashes during sleepwalking episodes includes locking doors and windows, setting alarms, removing sharp or breakable objects from a child's room, putting keys away from the reach of children, taking away any barriers, keeping potentially harmful items out of reach, and not allowing sleepwalkers to sleep in a bunk bed. Chamomile is considered safe and effective for helping a child relax and promoting sleep.
In conclusion, while the exact causes of sleepwalking are not yet fully understood, managing underlying factors such as stress, sleep deprivation, and sleep disruptions can be key to reducing episodes. A combination of a proper bedtime routine, healthy diet, and a safe sleeping environment can help children overcome sleepwalking and ensure they get the restful sleep they need for optimal growth and development.
- A proper bedtime routine, healthy diet, and a safe sleeping environment can help children with sleepwalking by reducing episodes.
- Foods rich in tryptophan, magnesium, fiber, antioxidants, and zinc, such as pumpkin seeds and nuts, may help regulate sleep cycles and manage sleepwalking.
- The Kids & Teens Brain Booster Spread, fortified with Ayurvedic herbs, and the Kids & Teens Sleep Well Chocolate Spread, which includes chamomile and lemon balm, could aid in immunity, brain development, and better sleep for children.
- It's important to lock doors and windows, set alarms, remove sharp or breakable objects from a child's room, and not allow sleepwalkers to sleep in a bunk bed to prevent crashes during sleepwalking episodes.
