Parasomnias 

While insomnia and sleep apnea are more common in adults, other sleep disorders such as sleepwalking and night terrors are far more common in young children.

Sleepwalking

Sleepwalking, also known as somnambulism, is characterized by periods of getting out of bed while asleep. Sleepwalking is a sleep disorder which most frequently occurs in young children though there are adults who also sleepwalk. Once asleep, it is thought that the part of the brain which controls muscle function is aroused and the "sleepwalker" begins to move though he is still asleep.

Episodes of sleepwalking can last from thirty seconds to thirty minutes and may only consist of moving around in bed and making repetitive motions to actually getting out of bed and walking around the house or even yard. A sleepwalker may be capable of even the most complicated tasks while still in a state of sleep. Some adults have even been known to drive a car while in the sleepwalking state.

The best advise for the caregiver of a sleepwalker is to not awaken the victim but rather to just keep them safe throughout the episode. Some safety tips include:

• Having a sleepwalkers bedroom on the first floor
• Bed rails for smaller children
• Blocked off staircases to prevent falls
• Locked exterior doors so that the sleepwalker can not get outside
• Alarms on doors and windows for sleepwalkers who have a history of leaving the house during an episode (especially adult sleepwalkers)

Night Terrors

Night terrors occur during the 4th stage of sleep prior to REM sleep or dream sleep. Because of this, researches have been able to differentiate between nightmares which occur during REM sleep and night terrors.

Often, in fact, when people have night terrors they do not recall any dream or nightmare leading up to their terrified feeling. Rather, they wake in a panic, screaming and in a confused state with little to no idea what caused their fearful emotions. Victims of night terrors wake suddenly with a very rapid heart rate, sweating and at times even violent.

Sleep Talking

Talking in one's sleep is a common, psychologically normal occurrence.

Sleep Related Eating

Not quite as common as sleepwalking, sleep related eating is a disorder which can occur during sleepwalking. This disorder includes the preparation and eating of food while sleepwalking. Both males and females can have this disorder though it is seen more in women. If sleep related eating occurs often enough, the victim can have some weight gain. The only dangerous aspect of sleep related eating can be consumption of raw foods or non edible objects.