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A child’s nightmares can be a frightening experience for both parent and child, but sleepwalking can be a much more serious issue. A child who sleepwalks, especially one who has frequent episodes, can make the whole family feel as if they’re living a nightmare.
There is no telling how often the child will take leave of his bed during the night, or if he’ll have a restful slumber. Although most parents are accustomed to listening for problems during the night, the unpredictable nature ofsleepwalkingcan make for anxious parents and other siblings. While sleepwalking itself is not harmful to a child’s health, there are dangers in having a sleeping child wandering around the house, even outside the house, putting himself in danger of serious injury. These tips will help your sleepwalking sprite stay safe, regardless of his nighttime antics. What is Sleepwalking?
Sleepwalking, defined as somnambulism, is generally regarded as harmless, although it can be disturbing and disruptive in many ways. Children who sleepwalk typically do so after being asleep for about two hours, which puts them in stages three and four of a five-stage sleep pattern. This deep sleep occurs when the breathing and heart rate slow, and before dreams set in. Sleepwalking is believed by some to be a genetic tendency; others feel it is the body reacting in much the same way a dream is formed in the brain.The body recharges its batteries during sleep. At night, the body releasesmelatonin, a hormone in the brain that gives a signal to sleep. During waking hours, melatonin production slows and, sensing the change, the body begins to rouse from its slumber.
There is no telling how often the child will take leave of his bed during the night, or if he’ll have a restful slumber. Although most parents are accustomed to listening for problems during the night, the unpredictable nature ofsleepwalkingcan make for anxious parents and other siblings. While sleepwalking itself is not harmful to a child’s health, there are dangers in having a sleeping child wandering around the house, even outside the house, putting himself in danger of serious injury. These tips will help your sleepwalking sprite stay safe, regardless of his nighttime antics. What is Sleepwalking?
Sleepwalking, defined as somnambulism, is generally regarded as harmless, although it can be disturbing and disruptive in many ways. Children who sleepwalk typically do so after being asleep for about two hours, which puts them in stages three and four of a five-stage sleep pattern. This deep sleep occurs when the breathing and heart rate slow, and before dreams set in. Sleepwalking is believed by some to be a genetic tendency; others feel it is the body reacting in much the same way a dream is formed in the brain.The body recharges its batteries during sleep. At night, the body releasesmelatonin, a hormone in the brain that gives a signal to sleep. During waking hours, melatonin production slows and, sensing the change, the body begins to rouse from its slumber.
Keeping a bedroom dark, except for maybe a dim nightlight, may help your child get a restful night’s sleep, advises the National Sleep Foundation. Sleepwalking episodes usually last between five and 15 minutes. There may be more than one episode per night. Many remember the episode in the morning; some don’t.
当你发现梦游者
A logical first reaction to finding a child sleepwalking is to wake him. Resist the urge to do so for several reasons. Recognize that children who sleepwalk aren’t cognizant of their actions, although most sleepwalkers are compliant when treated gently. Unlike a child experiencing nightmares, sleepwalkers are most often calm in their mannerisms. Their brains are in deep-sleep mode, and waking will be difficult. Sleepwalkers may talk, sometimes coherently, sometimes gibberish, and they may or may not respond to questions or commands. Their eyes may be open or closed.It’s important to keep in mind that they are not awake even though they may appear to be. Attempting to wake a sleepwalker can be dangerous for both parties. The child could resist, even become combative, posing a threat to both himself and his parent. If you are successful in waking your child, he could become disoriented, confused, even frightened. Choose your actions carefully. Don’t force the child back into bed, or attempt to pick up the child to carry him. Guide him gently by the arm. If he resists, wait a few seconds, then try again.
A logical first reaction to finding a child sleepwalking is to wake him. Resist the urge to do so for several reasons. Recognize that children who sleepwalk aren’t cognizant of their actions, although most sleepwalkers are compliant when treated gently. Unlike a child experiencing nightmares, sleepwalkers are most often calm in their mannerisms. Their brains are in deep-sleep mode, and waking will be difficult. Sleepwalkers may talk, sometimes coherently, sometimes gibberish, and they may or may not respond to questions or commands. Their eyes may be open or closed.It’s important to keep in mind that they are not awake even though they may appear to be. Attempting to wake a sleepwalker can be dangerous for both parties. The child could resist, even become combative, posing a threat to both himself and his parent. If you are successful in waking your child, he could become disoriented, confused, even frightened. Choose your actions carefully. Don’t force the child back into bed, or attempt to pick up the child to carry him. Guide him gently by the arm. If he resists, wait a few seconds, then try again.
Install a Room Alarm
Several companies, including General Electric, make wireless alarms that will sound as soon as a door is opened. They are small, and attach easily to the wall next to a door. Like a baby monitor for an infant (another option for parents of sleepwalking children), the alarms provide many parents with peace of mind. As soon as the door opens, the alarm sounds. The devices are affordable, and can be found at most major home improvement stores. Other options include attaching a bell to the door, which will sound when the child opens the door.Make the child’s room as safe as possible. Move furniture that could pose a danger to a sleepwalking child, paying close attention to pieces of furniture located near the main door. Keep in mind that even going in and out doors and windows can be confusing for a disoriented sleepwalker, so remove any dangerous items near a closet door as well. Ensure that mirrors are safely attached to the wall, and lock windows (alarms may be used here as well), particularly those on second-floor bedrooms. Take potentially dangerous objects out of child’s room, such as sharp items, sports equipment or breakable items like floor or table lamps that are in reach. Make sure the path is clear each night, free of clothing and toys from the child’s bed to the door.
Several companies, including General Electric, make wireless alarms that will sound as soon as a door is opened. They are small, and attach easily to the wall next to a door. Like a baby monitor for an infant (another option for parents of sleepwalking children), the alarms provide many parents with peace of mind. As soon as the door opens, the alarm sounds. The devices are affordable, and can be found at most major home improvement stores. Other options include attaching a bell to the door, which will sound when the child opens the door.Make the child’s room as safe as possible. Move furniture that could pose a danger to a sleepwalking child, paying close attention to pieces of furniture located near the main door. Keep in mind that even going in and out doors and windows can be confusing for a disoriented sleepwalker, so remove any dangerous items near a closet door as well. Ensure that mirrors are safely attached to the wall, and lock windows (alarms may be used here as well), particularly those on second-floor bedrooms. Take potentially dangerous objects out of child’s room, such as sharp items, sports equipment or breakable items like floor or table lamps that are in reach. Make sure the path is clear each night, free of clothing and toys from the child’s bed to the door.
Safety Tips for Sleepwalking Kids
床安全是防止梦游者受伤的重要组成部分。永远不要让孩子容易在顶层床上睡觉。他们即使是最警惕的孩子也很危险。即使有常规床，床高度也可能是一个问题。许多床，甚至是双尺寸的床，都是用深箱弹簧和床垫制成的，将其水平提高到地板上超过一英尺，甚至两英尺。幼儿的父母可能已经有一个可拆卸的床轨，这是一种常见的配件，可以安全地从婴儿床到床。一些轨道在床垫和弹簧弹簧之间滑动，并将阻止孩子滚下床。虽然床轨可能不会阻止孩子爬过去和梦游，但这可能足以打断他们的睡眠方式。Install gates at the top and bottom of stairways. This is especially important for young children who may not be as adept at navigating a staircase in the dark. But even an older child, when dazed and sleepwalking, may mistake stairs for a doorway, setting herself up for a fall. Baby gates are inexpensive, and while an older child may simply climb over the gate, it may buy a parent enough time to hear the sleepwalker up and about, and prevent injury.Keep toxic products out of reach. Children who are old enough to know what toxic substances can cause won’t use this reasoning during a sleepwalking episode. In his confusion, a child may mistake a cupboard for the refrigerator, and a detergent for a drink.
床安全是防止梦游者受伤的重要组成部分。永远不要让孩子容易在顶层床上睡觉。他们即使是最警惕的孩子也很危险。即使有常规床，床高度也可能是一个问题。许多床，甚至是双尺寸的床，都是用深箱弹簧和床垫制成的，将其水平提高到地板上超过一英尺，甚至两英尺。幼儿的父母可能已经有一个可拆卸的床轨，这是一种常见的配件，可以安全地从婴儿床到床。一些轨道在床垫和弹簧弹簧之间滑动，并将阻止孩子滚下床。虽然床轨可能不会阻止孩子爬过去和梦游，但这可能足以打断他们的睡眠方式。Install gates at the top and bottom of stairways. This is especially important for young children who may not be as adept at navigating a staircase in the dark. But even an older child, when dazed and sleepwalking, may mistake stairs for a doorway, setting herself up for a fall. Baby gates are inexpensive, and while an older child may simply climb over the gate, it may buy a parent enough time to hear the sleepwalker up and about, and prevent injury.Keep toxic products out of reach. Children who are old enough to know what toxic substances can cause won’t use this reasoning during a sleepwalking episode. In his confusion, a child may mistake a cupboard for the refrigerator, and a detergent for a drink.
Make sure firearms are stored away safely in a locked safe, with trigger locks installed.Fortunately, sleepwalking typically doesn’t last throughout the entirety of childhood (rarely into the teens), and there are no other health or psychological risks associated with the disorder. Nearly one-third of all children ages five to 12 have walked in their sleep at least once. Still, if the problem persists, or co-exists with other sleep issues, and the result is a lack of sleep for your child, consult a doctor. Your child may be referred to a pediatric sleep disorder specialist. In the meantime, make your child’s home environment as safe as possible to prevent injury during sleepwalking episodes. Assure him that he is safe, and know in time that a good night’s sleep again will return – to all of you.
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