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Original poster

Is this sleepwalking? Should I be worried?

23 replies

DaysDragonBy · 29/10/2018 22:20

DD (6) just got out of bed and walked to kitchen counter. Looked confused. I said "hello, what are you doing here?" She turned to me looking confused and dopey and walked to the dining table pulled out her chair to sit on and her pjs down. I squawked "That's not the toilet!" Went and picked her up, she fought me because she said she needed the loo. Carried her to bathroom, had to catch her from falling off toilet. Hands washed, unsteadily back to bed, apparently asleep as soon as covers tucked in.

Should I be worried? We live in a top floor flat with unlockable balcony doors. Of course I'm worried. But what the heck is going on? She often goes to the toilet at night without issue. No fever. This is the only place she remembers living in - old place she was still in a cot and nappies. Is she ill? Sleepwalking?

OP posts:
Biancadelriosback · 29/10/2018 22:22

Sleepwalking. I used to do this all the time! My dad found me in his wardrobe once. Apparently I could go up and down stairs with no issues!

Original poster
DaysDragonBy · 29/10/2018 22:24

Shit. Does that mean she could get out at night?

OP posts:
Biancadelriosback · 29/10/2018 22:27

Is the balcony secure? Are the front doors locked? Honestly I couldn't say for sure as I don't know your flat or your daughter

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FannyFifer · 29/10/2018 22:28

Yes that's sleepwalking. I'd be making sure those balcony doors got locked pronto.

SofiaAmes · 29/10/2018 22:34

Yes, definitely sounds like sleepwalking. Start immediately with the safety stuff until you figure it out, like put an out-of-reach bolt or chain on the balcony doors; stairgates at the top of the stairs etc.
Then, put some time and energy into figuring out when it happens. My dd got night terrors (which are supposed to be of the same ilk as sleepwalking) and it was very clear that they increased in frequency when there was change in her life. For example, when we moved, when she started nursery, when she switched nursery, when she started a new school year with a new teacher, when she had a group project at school with kids that weren't her normal friends, etc.. She is now 16 and these days it manifests itself as nightmares and anxiety more than night terrors. But the solution is the same. You can't completely eliminate change in a child's life, but lots of preparation is essential. I learned that dd needed to see her new school and/or meet her new teacher, or visit a new location well in advance. It gave her time to process it and get comfortable with it in at her own pace.

Bear in mind that what triggers the anxiety/sleepwalking/night terrors may not be what makes someone else (including you) anxious. In dd's case, there are lots of things that her peers get terribly anxious over, like school work and boys and social media, that doesn't phase dd at all. She's flown halfway across the world by herself, gotten on a stage and performed for 1000's, taken university classes at age 14, but won't ask a "stranger" (ie waiter) for a glass of water.

Original poster
DaysDragonBy · 29/10/2018 22:36

front door locked. Balcony has a standard height railing. What about windows? They are all closed, but none have locks. And what would you do in a fire if all the windows and doors are locked?

OP posts:
winteryslippers · 29/10/2018 22:39

Your balcony windows don't have locks??

You can buy locks for them -check screw fix or eBay etc

Original poster
DaysDragonBy · 29/10/2018 22:42

I need to sleep. In with her or leave our door open (directly opposite hers)?

OP posts:
DelurkingAJ · 29/10/2018 22:43

Without trying to alarm you unnecessarily I nearly sleepwalked out of an ajar window in a French holiday villa once. So if you’re away do be particularly careful...I woke because the sheets (no duvet!) wrapped my legs so I tripped trying to open the shutters because in my dream it was the loo door. I was 15 and my DM had kittens next morning.

whatsnewchoochoo · 29/10/2018 22:44

Depends if you'll hear her I guess?

I sleptwalked safely for 18 years until we moved house and was always safe but I don't like your unlocked balcony

Original poster
DaysDragonBy · 29/10/2018 22:45

Like this.

Is this sleepwalking? Should I be worried?
OP posts:
BringOnTheScience · 29/10/2018 22:51

Does she ever talk in her sleep? If not, then you can put this down to a rare moment.

My DH is a parasomniac and I wasn't aware that it has a strong inheritable aspect. I've had many nights with him and both DCs chatting & laughing & shouting in their sleep. DH & DC2 are both walkers too.

The point is: if there's no history of sleepwalking, then nothing to worry about. Certainly don't feel that you have to lie with her.

But do sort out your balcony door locks for your own general security!

Original poster
DaysDragonBy · 29/10/2018 22:54

But do sort out your balcony door locks for your own general security!

We're not the ground floor, open balcony.

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Original poster
DaysDragonBy · 29/10/2018 22:55

Open as in not covered, in full view of neighbours

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Biancadelriosback · 29/10/2018 23:04

None of your windows lock either?? You need to sort your home out. If there was a fire you can smash a window if necessary.

I sleep walk, talk, sing, laugh etc yet haven't had an accident except once banging my head on the wall next to my bed.

SkinnywannabeKBH · 29/10/2018 23:06

I used to sleepwalk quite a bit when I was younger. My Mum was told to put a by key of water at the door which apparently stops sleepwalkers from walking out the door. I'm not sure whether my Mum ever tried it but it's worth a try.

SofiaAmes · 29/10/2018 23:15

You don't have to lock them, just put something on the doors/windows that keeps them from being opened by a 6 year old. Here's a link to one type you can find on Amazon. And here's one that doesn't involve locking...just attach it out of reach of a 6 year old.

QOD · 29/10/2018 23:19

Are the balcony doors sliding? A simple bit of 4 x 4 wood can ‘lock’ it from sliding

KTyoupigeon · 29/10/2018 23:24

My youngest used to sleep walk. Apart from securing your home the next thing try not to wake her when she appears.

My daughter would come downstairs and stand in front of me seeming awake but totally unresponsive - I would stand up gently turn her round and guide her up to bed and tuck her back in. Job done.

Once when I woke her by talking to her she was very agitated and it took me around 45 mins to calm her down

Original poster
DaysDragonBy · 30/10/2018 05:49

If there was a fire you can smash a window if necessary.
I'm not sure that's possible. We were told the windows were pretty much indestructible. They are new double glazed, toughened glass windows. In the summer we sleep with the balcony doors fully open, just the insect screens over.

OP posts:
Original poster
DaysDragonBy · 30/10/2018 05:51

Good idea QOD. Two are, the third isn't. Would putting a chair in front of the door be enough? Door opens inwards.

OP posts:
Original poster
DaysDragonBy · 30/10/2018 06:47

She's awake and complaining of tummy ache. No recollection. Something to do with that? DS was ill on Sunday, does that mean I should keep her off school?

OP posts:
picklemepumpkin · 30/10/2018 07:01

Over tiredness always set mine off.

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