From the Guidelines
Sleepwalking in a 13-year-old should be addressed by ensuring the adolescent gets 8-10 hours of sleep nightly, as recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine 1. To manage sleepwalking in a 13-year-old, it is essential to create a safe sleep environment and identify potential triggers. Some key considerations include:
- Removing obstacles from the bedroom to prevent injuries
- Securing windows and doors, and installing gates at stairways to prevent the adolescent from leaving the house
- Considering door alarms to alert parents if the adolescent gets up during the night
- Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule with 8-10 hours of sleep nightly, as this can help reduce the frequency of sleepwalking episodes
- Establishing a calming bedtime routine to signal to the body that it is time to sleep Some potential triggers to identify and reduce include:
- Stress, which can be managed through relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation
- Sleep deprivation, which can be addressed by ensuring the adolescent gets enough sleep each night
- Certain medications, which should be reviewed with a pediatrician or sleep specialist to determine if they may be contributing to sleepwalking episodes
- Fever or full bladder before bed, which can disrupt sleep patterns and increase the likelihood of sleepwalking According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, teenagers 13 to 18 years of age should sleep 8 to 10 hours per 24 hours on a regular basis to promote optimal health 1. Most cases of adolescent sleepwalking resolve without medication, but if episodes are frequent or dangerous, it is essential to consult a pediatrician or sleep specialist. In severe cases, short-term medications like low-dose benzodiazepines might be prescribed, though this is uncommon for teens 1.
From the Research
Sleep Walking in 13-Year-Olds
- Sleep walking, also known as somnambulism, is an arousal parasomnia that can occur in children, including 13-year-olds, with a prevalence of 2-14% 2.
- It is characterized by complex behaviors, such as walking, during sleep, and can be triggered by various factors, including sleep disorders, medications, and underlying medical conditions.
Prevalence and Treatment
- Somnambulism can occur in up to 14% of children, and its treatment depends on the frequency and severity of episodes 2.
- In some cases, sleep walking may be managed conservatively, while recurrent episodes with a risk of injury may require pharmacotherapy, such as benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants, or serotonin selective re-uptake inhibitors 2.
- Treatment of underlying causes, such as obstructive sleep apnea, upper airway resistance syndrome, restless legs syndrome, and periodic limb movements, is also essential in managing somnambulism in children and adults 2.
Medication-Induced Sleep Walking
- Certain medications, including benzodiazepine receptor agonists, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and β-blockers, may trigger sleep walking in some individuals 3.
- The strongest evidence for medication-induced sleep walking is for zolpidem and sodium oxybate, while other associations are based on case reports 3.
- Prescribers should consider sleep walking as a potential adverse effect of certain medications and take steps to educate patients about safe sleep environments and alternative treatments if necessary 3.
Normal Sleep in Children and Adolescents
- Adequate sleep is essential for healthy development in childhood and adolescence, and its regulation and architecture change greatly across this period 4.
- Factors such as early school start times, technology use, and changes to circadian rhythms and sleep homeostasis can impact sleep quality in children and adolescents 4.
- Understanding normal sleep patterns in children and adolescents can help identify potential sleep disorders, including somnambulism, and inform treatment approaches 4.