Sleep Walking (No-BPD)

Written by Dr. Leland Heller

QUESTION:

I am very concerned about my 3 year old toddler sleep walking. One incident has occurred where she went outside. This happen in the wee hours of the morning. By the grace of God she wasn't harmed!! What causes this? When I was a child I also walked in my sleep.

DR. HELLER'S ANSWER:

There are many things that can cause walking activity when sleeping. Normally during dreams your muscles are relaxed, sleep walkers seem to incorporate walking activity during REM sleep. Sometimes medications are necessary to stop this. At age 3 I strongly recommend you have the child see a child neurologist for an evaluation and opinion. It may be necessary to get multiple opinions, and don't settle for answers that make no sense.

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