Sleep walking and sleep talking are called parasomnias and they tend to run in families. Night terrors are another type of parasomnia characterized by a sudden scream while asleep followed by what appears to be an awake child who is disoriented. The episodes may last a few seconds to minutes and the child is actually still asleep. The child will not recall the event upon waking. They do not represent any concern for pathology.

The one part of the history that probably deserves closer attention are the episodes of zoning out. These could be a type of seizure called an absence seizure which is also called a partial complex seizure. I would recommend seeing a pediatrician about this and consider getting an EEG.

I agree with Dr. Hopkins' response in that your daughter's sleep walking episodes could very well be an underlying sign that she has another sleep disorder. It is normal to a certain extent for children to have parasomnia events such as sleep walking or talking but they generally will resolve by 6-10 years of age. Yet, keep in mind that they can also be a sign that there is an underlying sleep disorder that is triggering her to be woken up out of stage 3 sleep, which is where sleep walking occurs. The best recommendation would be to schedule a consultation with a sleep specialist that is trained in pediatric sleep medicine.

No, this is not "normal," but it can be improved! There are 2 diagnoses to be considered.

1. Parasomnias: These are common, typically benign events that occur about 1-3 hours after going to sleep. They can be mild with just sleep talking or more dramatic with sleepwalking or sleep terrors (screaming). Clearly it is bothersome at the least or dangerous at the worst from a safety perspective. The best way to make this go away is to make sure your daughter has an adequate quantity of sleep and good quality sleep. The average 6 yo requires 10-12 hours of sleep per night. Kids who sleepwalk are at increased risk for sleepwalking when they are sick or around times of excitement (start of school/holidays). If your daughter has a sleep disorder that impairs her sleep quality (snoring or kicking at night) she needs to be evaluated by a pediatric sleep physician and have the sleep disorder corrected. Ensuring her safety by preventing her access to the kitchen, doors/windows leading outside, or other dangers that may be in your home should also be considered. Door alarms, baby gates, and motion detectors may help you as the parent sleep better. (Anecdotally I've heard to reduce fluids before bedtime.). The good news is that although common in children, most people outgrow parasomnias before puberty.

2. Seizures: Because of the parasomnias + spacing episodes during the day, an evaluation with a child neurologist is recommended. Medication, in addition to increased sleep and safety measures, would be indicated if your child is diagnosed with seizures.

With further evaluation I think you will also find peace if mind. I hope just sleeping longer fixes everything!

Bobbi Hopkins, MD

As many of the other pediatricians here have already pointed out, your daughter may be having night terrors, a benign parasomnia that scares the parents more so than it affects the child. I recently wrote about it on my website, linked under my signature below. By itself, it's not too concerning. However, in association with the daytime symptoms of zoning out you describe, she should be evaluated by a pediatrician, who may even refer her to a neurologist.

Good luck.

No, this is not normal. Your daughter should be evaluated bt her physician who will likely refer her for an EEG and sleep study.

i would be concerned about her zoning out and having to bring her attention during the day , i would make an appointment with her PCP