Sleep Talking and Sleepwalking in Children: Parasomnias Explained

It's unsettling to find your child standing in the hallway at 2 AM with blank eyes, or to hear them having a conversation with no one. These experiences—sleepwalking and sleep talking—are examples of parasomnias, unusual behaviors that happen during sleep.

While parasomnias can be alarming for parents, they're usually harmless and most children outgrow them. Understanding what's happening helps you respond appropriately and keep your child safe. AAP

What Are Parasomnias?

Parasomnias are unwanted behaviors or experiences that occur during sleep or sleep-wake transitions. NSF

Common types in children:

• Sleep talking (somniloquy)
• Sleepwalking (somnambulism)
• Night terrors (sleep terrors)
• Confusional arousals
• Sleep-related eating

When they occur:
Most parasomnias happen during deep sleep (NREM stages 3-4), typically in the first few hours after falling asleep. The brain is partially awake but the child remains unconscious.

Why children are more prone:

• Children spend more time in deep sleep
• Immature nervous system
• More likely to have incomplete awakenings
• Usually outgrown as brain matures

Sleep Talking

What it looks like:

• Talking, mumbling, or shouting during sleep
• May be clear words or gibberish
• Can range from single sounds to full conversations
• Usually brief

How common:
Very common—up to 50% of children talk in their sleep at some point.

Should you worry?
Almost never. Sleep talking is benign and doesn't indicate any problem.

What to do:

• Nothing needed
• Don't try to wake them or engage
• They won't remember in the morning
• It's not meaningful or revealing of secret thoughts

Sleepwalking

What it looks like: AAP

• Getting out of bed while asleep
• Walking around the house
• May perform routine activities (opening doors, going to bathroom)
• Eyes may be open but glazed
• Unresponsive or confused if you try to communicate
• No memory of event

How common:
15-40% of children sleepwalk at least once. Regular sleepwalking affects about 3-4% of children.

Peak ages:
4-8 years, usually resolved by adolescence.

Typical episode:

• Happens 1-3 hours after falling asleep
• Lasts a few minutes to half an hour
• Child returns to bed on their own or can be gently guided back

Night Terrors

What it looks like: NSF

• Sudden screaming, crying, or thrashing
• Appears terrified or panicked
• May sit up or get out of bed
• Racing heart, sweating
• Doesn't recognize you or respond to comfort
• Seems to "look through you"
• Episode lasts 1-30 minutes
• Returns to sleep, no memory in morning

How it differs from nightmares:

| Night Terrors | Nightmares |
|--------------|------------|
| Deep sleep (early night) | REM sleep (later night) |
| Not fully awake | Wakes up completely |
| Can't be comforted | Seeks comfort |
| No memory | Remembers dream |
| Doesn't recognize you | Recognizes you immediately |

How common:
3-6% of children, peak ages 4-12.

Why Parasomnias Happen

Contributing factors:

*Sleep deprivation:*

• Most common trigger
• Increases deep sleep, where parasomnias occur
• Overtired children more prone

*Irregular sleep schedule:*

• Disrupts sleep architecture
• Increases likelihood of incomplete awakenings

*Fever and illness:*

• Can trigger episodes
• Especially common with fevers

*Stress:*

• May increase frequency
• New situations, life changes

*Full bladder:*

• Can trigger arousal from deep sleep
• Child walks to bathroom while still asleep

*Genetics:*

• Runs strongly in families
• If parent had parasomnias, child likely to as well

Safety First: Protecting Your Sleepwalker

Safety is the main concern with sleepwalking: AAP

Essential precautions:

• Lock doors and windows
• Install gates at stairs
• Remove obstacles from floor
• Lock away sharp objects
• Consider alarm on child's door
• Don't let them sleep on top bunk
• Move breakable items

What NOT to do:

• Don't try to wake them forcefully (confuses them more)
• Don't restrain them (can cause agitation)
• Don't make a big deal of it

What TO do:

• Gently guide them back to bed
• Speak calmly and softly
• Stay with them until they settle
• Don't ask questions or try to reason

Reducing Episodes

Prioritize adequate sleep:

• Sleep deprivation is the #1 trigger
• Ensure age-appropriate sleep amounts
• Consistent bedtime
• Don't let them get overtired

Maintain consistent schedule:

• Same bedtime and wake time
• Even on weekends
• Routine before bed

Scheduled awakenings (for frequent sleepwalking): NSF

• Track when episodes usually occur
• Gently wake child 15-30 minutes before typical episode time
• Let them settle back to sleep
• Do this for 2-4 weeks
• Can break the pattern

Address triggers:

• Treat any sleep disorders (like sleep apnea)
• Manage stress
• Empty bladder before bed
• Avoid very late bedtimes

When to See a Doctor

Most parasomnias don't require medical attention, but consult your pediatrician if: AAP

• Episodes are very frequent (multiple times per week)
• Episodes are getting worse or more intense
• Child is injuring themselves
• Episodes start after age 10 or continue past puberty
• Occur later in the night (may not be typical parasomnia)
• Daytime symptoms are present (excessive sleepiness)
• Other concerning symptoms (snoring, leg movements)
• Episodes cause significant distress to child or family
• You're unsure what's happening

What Other Parents Ask

Q: Should I wake my child during a night terror?
A: No—don't try to wake them. It's nearly impossible and will prolong the episode. Keep them safe and wait it out. They'll settle back into normal sleep. NSF

Q: My child says they remember sleepwalking. Is that normal?
A: True sleepwalking episodes are not remembered. If your child remembers, they may have been in a different state (confusional arousal or actually awake). Or they may have incorporated the story you told them into a false memory.

Q: Will my child outgrow this?
A: Most likely yes. Parasomnias typically decrease with age as the brain matures. Most children outgrow them by adolescence. AAP

Q: Could sleepwalking be a sign of something more serious?
A: Usually no. However, very frequent sleepwalking, onset in adolescence, or occurrence later in the night could warrant evaluation. Sleep disorders like sleep apnea can trigger parasomnias and should be ruled out.

Q: Is my child acting out their dreams?
A: Probably not. Regular parasomnias (sleepwalking, night terrors) occur during deep non-REM sleep, not dream sleep. True dream-enactment (REM sleep behavior disorder) is rare in children.

The Bottom Line

Sleep talking, sleepwalking, and night terrors are common in children and usually harmless. They happen during deep sleep, run in families, and most children outgrow them. The main concern is safety for sleepwalkers. Ensuring adequate sleep and consistent schedules can reduce frequency.

Key points:

• Parasomnias are common and usually benign
• They occur during deep sleep, not dream sleep
• Children don't remember episodes
• Sleep deprivation is the main trigger
• Safety is the primary concern for sleepwalkers
• Don't try to wake or restrain during episodes
• Most children outgrow them by adolescence
• See a doctor if episodes are very frequent or concerning

Clara is here to help you understand and manage your child's parasomnias.