Sleepwalking

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Definition Symptoms Causes Risk factors When to seek medical advice

Tests and diagnosis Complications Treatments and drugs Lifestyle and home remedies

Definition

You tuck your child into bed at night, leaving the door open just a crack. In the morning, you find your child asleep under the kitchen table. Or perhaps your bed partner asks what you were doing up in the middle of the night, and you haven't got a clue.

Harmless sleepwalking? Probably. Sleepwalking — also known as somnambulism — is often a random event that doesn't signal any serious problems or even require treatment. Although sleepwalking can occur at any age, it's most likely between ages 8 and 12. Most kids simply outgrow sleepwalking on their own.

Still, sleepwalking is no joking matter. Take simple steps to protect yourself or your child from sleepwalking injuries.

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Symptoms