What are causes of sleepwalking?

Question

My six year old son has resently been waking up in the middle of the night. Below are a few things that he does.
He sits up and moves his lips like he's talking to someone.
Gets outta bed and walks to the bathroom like he has to go but just stands there and then walks back to bed.
Sits up and starts crying but doesnt want anyone one to comfort him.
Gets up goes in the bathroom and takes his cloths off, uses a towel to clean him self up and goes back to bed naked. (It's like he thinks he pee'd to bed but never does)

Answer 1

Hey Jennifer,

Sleepwalking is usually very common in young children, and usually clears itself up by adolesence. If you are concerned, it is always a good idea to call the doctor and ask.

Just a few questions to ask:

Has he been under more stress than usual?

Do you or your husband have a family history of sleepwalking?

How many times a night does he sleepwalk?


Some things to consider:

Have him tell himself that he is not going to sleepwalk before he goes to bed.

Restrict food intake for the last two hours before he goes to bed.

LOCK the bathroom door after he goes to bed.

LOCK all doors that lead outside the house.

Gently tell him that he's sleepwalking, and he needs to go back to bed.

My biggest worry would be that he would get outside somehow. I did when I was in grade school. I had two rabbits that lived outside, and they would get into terrible fights. I woke up one night outside with my head in their cage, in only underwear (and I'm a girl!)

Watch him, but don't worry too much.

Good luck,
Chris