Did you know that somewhere around a third of children will experience sleepwalking at some point? Often, this condition isn’t a serious concern, and children will grow out of it. Still, it’s smart to pay close attention, and if concerns arise, you should speak with a sleep specialist. If you’re worried about sleepwalking and live in or near Columbia, SC, get in touch with Bogan Sleep Consultants. Dr. Richard Bogan and Dr. Laura Herpel can provide assistance and answer questions.
Understanding Sleepwalking in Children
Sleepwalking is common among kids, especially between the ages of 4 and 8. Most commonly, the child will start walking in their sleep about 1 to 2 hours after falling asleep. As a parent, it’s a wise idea to keep an eye on your kids and to monitor them to see if they are sleepwalking. You may opt to set up monitoring devices.
If your child occasionally sleepwalks and isn’t putting him or herself in danger while doing so, it may not be a big deal. That said, you may still want to speak with a doctor that specializes in sleep conditions. If you want to speak with medical professionals about your kids and their sleepwalking and live in or near Columbia, SC, schedule an appointment at Bogan Sleep Consultants. Dr. Bogan and Dr. Herpel would be happy to work with your family.
There are some situations, however, that may make medical intervention more pressing and necessary.
When To See a Sleep Doctor About Sleepwalking
First, if your child is sleepwalking on a seemingly constant basis, it’s probably time to see a doctor. A bout of sleepwalking here and there may not be a concern, but if it’s a regular occurrence it’s wise to work with medical professionals.
Likewise, if your child seems tired on a constant basis and their sleeping habits are affecting their quality of life, development, or education, you should speak with medical professionals. It’s possible that sleep walking is preventing them from getting proper rest, which could lead to struggles in school, irritability, and various other issues.
Further, if sleepwalking is leading to dangerous situations, such as your child potentially falling down the stairs or wandering outside, you should seek assistance right away before a serious event occurs. Medical sleep professionals can teach you a variety of things you can do to reduce risks. In some cases, medicines can be prescribed as well.
The right course of treatment and prevention will depend on your child, lifestyle, home situation, and various other factors. If you’re looking for sleep experts in Columbia, SC, who can help with sleepwalking, come see Dr. Bogan and Dr. Herpel at Bogan Sleep Consultants(opens in a new tab). You can get in touch by dialing (803) 251-3093.
