Children and Sleepwalking: Why It Happens, What to Expect, and How to Handle It.

If you’ve ever woken up to find your little one wandering the hallway half-asleep, it can feel a bit unsettling and a bit spooky! Sleepwalking (or somnambulism if you want the fancy word) is actually more common in children than adults and while it can look worrying, in most cases it’s harmless and something they’ll grow out of.

So, let’s break it down: why it happens, what’s really going on, and what you can do to keep your child safe.

Why Do Children Sleepwalk?

Sleepwalking usually happens in the first few hours of the night, during the deepest stages of sleep. The brain is still in sleep mode, but the body gets a little confused and decides to move around.

Common triggers include:

• Overtiredness – late nights and missed naps can make sleepwalking more likely.

• Illness or fever – the body working harder to recover can disrupt normal sleep.

• Stress or change – new routines, starting school, or even excitement can play a part.

• Family history – sleepwalking can run in families, so if you or your partner did it as a child, your little one might too.

What Happens During Sleepwalking?

Sleepwalking can look different for each child. Some might:

• Simply sit up in bed and mumble.

• Wander around the room or house with a blank expression.

• Try to carry out a “normal” activity, like getting dressed, moving toys around or even trying to go to the toilet somewhere they shouldn’t be!

The important thing to remember is: your child isn’t aware of what they’re doing. They won’t remember it the next day, and trying to reason with them while they’re sleepwalking won’t work, their brain is still in dreamland.

How to Handle Sleepwalking Safely

Here’s what you can do:

• Keep them safe – lock windows and doors, clear away trip hazards, use stair gates if needed.

• Guide them gently back to bed – no need to wake them, just calmly steer them to their room.

• Stick to a good sleep routine – regular bedtimes and enough rest can reduce episodes.

• Look out for triggers – notice if sleepwalking is more frequent when they’re overtired, unwell, or stressed.

And here’s what you don’t need to do:

• Don’t shake or startle them awake – it can be confusing and scary.

• Don’t worry that it means something’s “wrong” – in most cases, it’s just a stage.

When to Seek Extra Support

Most children grow out of sleepwalking by their teenage years, but it’s worth checking in with a GP if:

• Sleepwalking happens multiple times a night or every night.

• Your child is doing things that could be dangerous (like leaving the house).

• Episodes are paired with other sleep issues (night terrors, extreme daytime tiredness).

👉 The good news? For most children, sleepwalking is just another quirky childhood phase. With a safe environment and a bit of patience, they’ll grow out of it.