Though it’s not often talked about often, sleepwalking is quite common in children. In fact, 1 in 10 school aged children experience sleepwalking episodes. Parents generally notice more noises/sounds from the rooms of their young children rather than their older ones, so it’s more common for younger children to be caught sleepwalking by their parents. It’s important to note that the earlier sleepwalking is treated, the better the outcome for the child will be. 

In this study, the researchers have discovered that sleepwalking is associated with night terrors, restless sleep, and sleep talking. Aside from nighttime activities, it’s also associated with emotional/behavioral issues, usually caused by the sleep problems that affect the children. A stable sleep routine is important for children to minimize any problems that may occur without proper sleep. If they don’t get adequate sleep, they’re more likely to experience daytime problems.  

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Ashley Bejar, UConn KIDS Research Assistant 

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