Children's Hospital Colorado
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Sleepwalking

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What is sleepwalking?

Sleepwalking is the tendency to get out of bed and wander during deep sleep. It usually occurs within two hours of bedtime.

What causes sleepwalking?

Sleepwalking is an inherited tendency, which means the child gets it from his or her parents. The condition is caused when a child only partially wakes up during sleep. Children who sleepwalk can usually follow their parent’s instructions, but are hard to fully wake.

Occasionally sleepwalking is increased if the child has sleep deprivation, sleep apnea or is using certain medications such as Benadryl. Sleepwalking can increase if the room is hot, the child has a fever or if the child has some inflammation.

Who sleepwalks?

Children 4 to 15 years old are most likely to sleepwalk. Up to 15% of children sleepwalk. Children usually stop sleepwalking on their own during adolescence.

Next steps

  • Would you like to learn more about us?

    Learn more about the Sleep Program
  • Do you have questions about your child’s condition?

    720-777-6181
  • Are you ready to schedule an appointment?

    Schedule an appointment

Get to know our pediatric experts.

Amanda Messinger, MD

Amanda Messinger, MD

Pulmonology - Pediatric, Pediatrics

Stacey Simon, PhD

Stacey Simon, PhD

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Stacey Martiniano, MD

Stacey Martiniano, MD

Pulmonology - Pediatric, Pediatrics

Pinar Polat, MD

Pinar Polat, MD

Neurology - Pediatric, Sleep Medicine