Children's Hospital Colorado
Sleep

Sleepwalking

Parents and caregivers know their kids best. That’s why we put families at the center of every care team.

Best Children's Hospital by U.S. News & World Report Pulmonology 2021-2 Badge

Get Care

Would you like to learn more about us?
Sleep Program
Are you ready to schedule an appointment?
Schedule an appointment
Do you have questions about your child’s condition?
Call

What is sleepwalking?

Sleepwalking is the tendency to get out of bed and wander during deep sleep. It usually occurs within two hours of bedtime.

What causes sleepwalking?

Sleepwalking is an inherited tendency, which means the child gets it from his or her parents. The condition is caused when a child only partially wakes up during sleep. Children who sleepwalk can usually follow their parent’s instructions, but are hard to fully wake.

Occasionally sleepwalking is increased if the child has sleep deprivation, sleep apnea or is using certain medications such as Benadryl. Sleepwalking can increase if the room is hot, the child has a fever or if the child has some inflammation.

Who sleepwalks?

Children 4 to 15 years old are most likely to sleepwalk. Up to 15% of children sleepwalk. Children usually stop sleepwalking on their own during adolescence.

Next steps

  • Would you like to learn more about us?

    Learn more about the Sleep Program
  • Do you have questions about your child’s condition?

    720-777-6181
  • Are you ready to schedule an appointment?

    Schedule an appointment

Get to know our pediatric experts.

Chelsea Hartman, CPNP-AC/PC

Chelsea Hartman, CPNP-AC/PC

Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Patient ratings and reviews are not available Why?

Gwendolyn Kerby, MD

Gwendolyn Kerby, MD

Pulmonology - Pediatric

Paul Stillwell, MD

Paul Stillwell, MD

Pulmonology - Pediatric, Pediatrics

Benjamin Wisniewski, MD

Benjamin Wisniewski, MD

Pulmonology - Pediatric, Pediatrics, Sleep Medicine