Is Your Child Sleepwalking or Crying at Night? Here’s What You Need to Know About Parasomnia

If your child suddenly starts walking around the house at night or screams loudly without waking up fully, you might feel worried or confused. Many parents face these strange nighttime behaviours and wonder if it’s normal or something serious. These episodes are often caused by a sleep disorder called parasomnia, which involves abnormal behaviours during sleep. Parasomnia can include sleepwalking, night terrors, or even crying out loud. While it can be frightening to see your child behave this way, most cases are harmless and tend to improve with age. However, understanding what causes these behaviours and when to seek help is important for your child's health and safety.

What Is Parasomnia?

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Dr Devendra Dangar, Pediatrician, Newlife Children's Hospital, Kutch, explains, “If your child starts getting up at night or starts screaming without waking up, it could be parasomnia.” Parasomnia means unusual or abnormal behaviours during sleep. These behaviours happen when the child is not fully awake but is acting out dreams or other sleep-related activities. Common types include sleepwalking, night terrors, and bedwetting.

It’s important to know that night terrors and nightmares are different. Night terrors happen during the deep sleep stage called NREM, and the child usually doesn’t remember anything the next morning. Nightmares happen during REM sleep, and children often recall these frightening dreams clearly. Parasomnia is usually temporary and gets better as children grow older.

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What Causes Parasomnia?

There are several reasons why children might experience parasomnia:

Stress or Anxiety: Changes at home, school, or family can trigger these episodes.
Sleep Deprivation: Not getting enough sleep can make parasomnia worse.
Irregular Sleep Schedule: Going to bed at different times each night can disturb sleep patterns.
Fever or Illness: When children are unwell, they may have more sleep disturbances.
Genetics: Some children are more prone to parasomnia if family members have experienced similar issues.

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

Here are some common signs of parasomnia:

Sleepwalking or wandering during sleep
Screaming or crying loudly without waking fully
Sitting up or moving around in bed
Sleep talking or making strange noises
Bedwetting, especially if it’s new or sudden
Not remembering the episode the next morning
If your child shows these signs often, or if the episodes are very intense or dangerous, it’s time to see a doctor.

How to Help Your Child

Here are some tips to manage and reduce parasomnia:

Create a Safe Sleep Environment: Remove sharp objects and lock doors or windows if necessary.
Stick to a Routine: Set a consistent bedtime and wake-up time.
Ensure Enough Sleep: Make sure your child gets enough rest each night.
Reduce Stress: Talk to your child about any worries and create a calming bedtime routine.
Avoid Triggers: Keep the bedroom quiet, dark, and comfortable.
Stay Calm: If your child sleepwalks or screams, stay calm and gently guide them back to bed without waking them fully.

When to See a Doctor

While parasomnia is usually harmless and self-limiting, consult a doctor if:

The episodes happen frequently or become more intense
Your child gets injured during an episode
There are signs of other health issues, like sleep apnea or seizures
The behaviour causes significant distress or affects daily life

A healthcare professional can help identify the cause and suggest appropriate treatment or strategies.

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Conclusion

Sleepwalking, night terrors, and crying at night can be frightening for parents, but most children outgrow these behaviours naturally. Understanding parasomnia and creating a safe, calming sleep environment can help your child sleep peacefully. If these episodes happen often or cause concern, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice. With patience and proper care, your child’s sleep can become calm and restful again.

Is Your Child Sleepwalking or Crying at Night? Here’s What You Need to Know About Parasomnia