My son is 7 and sometimes sleepwalks. Is this normal for kids? What can be done to stop it?

— Sujaida, Arizona

Sleepwalking is actually a fairly common problem. Up to 15 percent of children sleep walk. This condition occurs most commonly in children between the ages of 4-12 years old, during the deepest type of sleep, called stage IV sleep, usually about 1-2 hours after he or she falls asleep.

Sleepwalking can be very scary for parents. Children are often somewhat uncoordinated when they walk and they may wander to strange places within the house or even go outside. Sleepwalking children are often very difficult to wake up and they may even engage in bizarre behaviors such as urinating when they are not at a toilet. Children usually have no memories of sleepwalking.

The cause of this condition is not exactly known, though it does seem to run in families. Sleepwalking is classified as a "sleep arousal disorder," meaning children are aroused, but not truly awake. Sleepwalking is often associated with other types of sleep arousal problems, such as sleep terrors, which cause the child to scream, kick and have difficulty being woken up. Children seem to be more likely to sleep walk if they are extremely tired, stressed, or have experienced a change in their typical routine. You can try to help decrease sleepwalking by making sure your son is well rested, even if that means having him take afternoon naps. Make sure he goes to sleep with an empty bladder and that the house is quiet while he sleeps. A full bladder and noises can increase the likelihood that the child will become "aroused."

If your son sleep walks frequently, it is also very important to make sure he is safe. Use door and window locks and gates so he does not fall down the stairs. Children typically outgrow sleepwalking. New studies have shown that certain medications to treat restless legs syndrome and surgeries that help severe snoring and sleep apnea, like a tonsillectomy, may in fact improve symptoms of sleepwalking. You should talk to your pediatrician about your son's sleep problems! A doctor can help develop an individualized plan that addresses your child's specific sleepwalking issues.

Learn more in the Everyday Health Sleep Center.