AIBU to be totally freaked out by my DS sleepwalking?

[MrsKyl]

My DS2 is 10 and over the past few weeks has started sleepwalking. We find him in the kitchen or in the hallway with no idea of what he’s doing. Is he going through some horrible trauma that we don’t know about (I’ve asked and he says he’s fine) or is this normal? Other DS didn’t do this more than once or twice but was much younger. We’ve made sure the house is safe at night with a light left on and nothing left lying about but I’m still worried. Any advice?

This is very normal and is usually a short-lived stage. I wouldn't get too worked up about quite yet. Do you think he's getting enough sleep and getting to bed at a decent time?

Hi! Just an FYI, I sleepwalk on and off and have since I was small. Usually it’s if I’m sleeping somewhere new (hotel etc) but have done it a fair few times at home too - no trauma or drama here just one of those things!

I do find that If I go to sleep with lots on my mind - not worries or anything like that, maybe just a long to do list - it’s more likely to happen. I think my brain is trying to give my body a jump start on the day!! Maybe suggest that he does a brief relaxation exercise right before he falls asleep, like that one where you work up your body clenching and relaxing your muscles? Might work :)

My son did it for about 5 yrs from the age of 6. It's very disconcerting in the beginning. He would finish things he had started before bed, one night at 3am we found him in his brothers room building a knex model. He would sometimes switch all the lights on, or be looking in the fridge for something to eat. Once or twice he completely freaked me out when I would wake in the night and he would just be stood at the side of my bed staring at me.

He never remembered the episodes, he didn't have any trauma or stress, was totally happy when he was awake, and it stopped as suddenly as it started. Try not to worry too much.

I think he has quite a good sleep routine. He’s normally in bed and settled on a school night by 9pm and up for about 7.30am. Anything goes at the weekend though! It’s just so creepy his little figure appearing in the doorway and I worry he’s going to fall downstairs or something!