This may be due to a parasomnia. Parasomnias are a group of night time sleep problems. They are most common from 2 to 8 years of age. Common types are sleep terrors, confusional arousals, sleep walking, sleep talking and nightmares. Risk factors include if the child doesn't get enough sleep or feels stressed. It can also run in families: a child has a higher risk if a parent had a parasomnia as a child. Parasomnias are usually thought of as normal in children. They do not normally need treatment, except if they are frequent or there is a risk that the child might hurt themselves. Parents should find out about these parasomnias. They should learn how to help their child during and after one. See Sleep Terrors, Sleep Walking and/or Nightmares.