Sleep disorder is common in infants

• April 20, 2024

One in 10 children of school age camia asleep at least once. The somnambulism It can be caused, in many cases, by some interruption of regular sleep patterns or by some feverish state.

Haro Valencia, director of the Sleep Disorders Clinic of the UNAM, mentions that in Mexico it is estimated that 15% of children have presented some episode of sleepwalking and 0.5% of the population between 4 and 8 years of age suffer from them repeatedly, while 0.2% of Adults Do you have any parasomnia .

The somnambulism is a disorder in which a child, partially, but not completely, is wake up during the night . The little one can walk or do other things without having any memory of what he did. You may sit in bed, get up and walk, or leave. Other patients even run or perform more complex actions. They can talk, but their sentences are confusing.

The age of appearance It is between 3 and 8 years old, although younger children have seen some episode one night. In childhood, sleepwalking is not related to problems psychological or emotional.

In cases where this Sleep disorder it extends beyond adolescence, it is advisable to make a consultation with a mental health specialist, this being a rare situation but of which we must be attentive.

What is sleepwalking?

When sleeping, the human being goes through four stages : the first and the second, are known as "light sleep", because you can still perceive what happens in the surroundings. In the phase three , physical rest is experienced; In addition, hormones such as growth and satiety are produced. In the fourth, dream images are perceived and rapid eye movement (REM) occurs.

The somnambulism, similar to night terrors occurs during the first third of the night, this situation shares the characteristics of possible family inheritance and amnesia after what happened.

This disorder is common in infants because there is a immaturity in the brain centers that dissociate one state from another. Over the years, a decrease in the frequency of these acts is observed, when reaching the adolescence the mind and the body mature completely and the nocturnalism disappears.

What can be done

Generally, a specific treatment; Most children outgrow it. If your child is sleepwalking for a long time, talk with your doctor.

It is convenient for parents to take certain measures to avoid accidents during the night as to clear the child's bedroom furniture or other objects that can be stumbled and keep well closed windows and doors so that it does not go outside. It is also desirable that sleepwalkers stay overnight or sleep in a mattress at ground level so you should avoid having your beds high; When the sleeper begins to perform activities should be kept calm and return to bed.

Some recommendations for avoid sleepwalking In children

1. Sleep on adequate schedules
2. Reduce the intake of stimulating substances (cola or coffee), especially in the hours close to rest
3. Do not expose yourself to smoke of smokers
4. Do not watch programs or horror movies, or play violent video games
5. Light dinner
6. Exclude from the room devices such as television, computer, to achieve a restful sleep of at least eight hours

It must be clear that the sleepwalking It is benign and remits in general to the 12 years- In addition, in case it is associated with sleep terrors, there is more risk of accidents, so taking the necessary measures is essential for the safety of your child.