Recently, the Department of Orthopedics of Shanghai Children's Medical Center affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine successfully ** a 15-year-old patient who fell from the 6th floor due to sleepwalking, and finally paralyzed both lower limbs. This case has sparked widespread concern about the phenomenon of sleepwalking, which has forced us to think deeply about what sleepwalking is, why it happens, and how parents can better protect their children from the threat of sleepwalking.
Sleepwalking is relatively common in children and adolescents, especially in preschool and school-age children. The story of 15-year-old Meng Di is shocking, and sleepwalking at night has led to such serious consequences. Although sleepwalking is considered benign in most cases, parents need to be alert to the possibility of accidental injuries to their children.
Sleepwalking usually occurs during the deep sleep phase, especially within 1 to 2 hours of falling asleep, which is also when deep sleep is most likely to occur. The high incidence of sleepwalking in children is concentrated between the ages of 4 and 6 and between the ages of 8 and 12. Lack of sleep is a potential cause of sleepwalking, so parents need to make sure their children get enough sleep and maintain a regular sleep schedule.
1.Keep your child safe
Make sure all doors and windows in your home are locked, especially those above the second floor. The place where the child sleeps should be kept tidy and free of any obstacles on the stairs. Install a bell on the child's bedroom door to remind parents if the child is leaving the room.
2.Regular sleep schedule
To ensure the health and safety of our children, we need to ensure that they maintain a regular sleep schedule and avoid sleep deprivation. Sleepwalking usually occurs during deep sleep, so regular sleep can help reduce the probability of sleepwalking. Just as plants need sunlight and water to grow, children need adequate sleep to support their body and brain development. Let's work together to create a good sleeping environment for our children so that they can grow up healthy.
3.Avoid caffeine intake
We should strictly control our children's caffeine intake to avoid them overeating this substance. Because excessive caffeine can negatively affect a child's sleep and may even increase their risk of sleepwalking. Imagine a child unconsciously getting up and walking in their sleep, what a worrying picture. Therefore, as responsible parents, we must take this issue seriously and take the necessary measures to protect the health of our children.
4.Seek professional help promptly
If the child sleepwalks frequently or is at risk of injury, parents should not hesitate to seek professional help. This could be a need for medication or behaviour to keep your child safe and healthy.
While sleepwalking is benign in most cases, the child's safety is paramount. Parents must be aware of the potential risks of sleepwalking and take appropriate measures to ensure that their children thrive in peaceful dreams. If your child is sleepwalking, don't hesitate to consult a professional doctor and let professional help build a safe fortress of dreams for them.