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Re: 4 year old sleepwalking

Posted by spot on May 22, 2002 at 10:52:04:

In Reply to: 4 year old sleepwalking posted by Ineedhelp on May 21, 2002 at 15:12:07:

umm, this sounds very much like my son...

first, keep a record of what and when this happens. And I note: u're his parent, u're concerned enough to post, so if you can, you should see a professional. We're just ppl on this forum, without the expertise.

Second, determine what is actually happening. Sleepwalking and night terrors tend to occur at certain times during a night's sleep, and do not happen during REM stage sleep. Also, night terrors and sleepwalking 5 nights of 7 (for instance) is outside of the normal range of incidence - meaning most children with night terrors experience 1 or 2 a month, possibly 1-2 a week. Learn the difference between night terrors and REM behviour disorder. REMbd is 'acting out' your dreams, as in physically participating in your dreams during REM stage sleep - which someone sleeping normally will not do. REMbd is only associated with a few syndromes, and the only sleep disorder of those is narcolepsy. Diagnosis is rare at such a young age because narcolptic children tend to 'develop' the full set of symptoms over time. However, very emotionally sensitive, ADHD-like symptoms (after age 5 or 6), long naps as an infant, a need to nap after age 3, can all be hints that this can be a possibility. (my son is narcoleptic)

Another possibility (if there is no REMbd), would be nocturnal seizures (which I believe are normally outgrown, but only a doc could diagnose).

And finally, if this is ongoing for several months, or seems to be affecting his functioning/behaviour during the daytime, you can request a sleep study. Only a trained pro can accurately interpret what's happening and diagnose any sleep disorder. But I would suggest keeping the log for a few weeks first, it helps the doctor determine if it's outside the normal spectrum for his age group, so you're more likely to get the referral. However, if any of the symptoms are associated with headache or nausea in the mornings that eases over the day, just take him to the doctor, those symptoms are more important.

I hope this helps.

Browse the forum, people have posted urls for sites that have good information. (and feel free to e-mail me if u want).

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Archived Children's Sleep Forum3 viewing only. To post a new topic go to the Children's Sleep Forum Homepage.
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