In a new study by the University of South Australia, researchers have explored the prevalence of sleepwalking in school children and its relationship with broader sleep and daytime difficulties, reports Medical Xpress.

Lead researcher, Dr. Helen Stallman says sleepwalking is a common behaviour among children. “Children lead energetic lives; and like all of us, at the end of the day they need a good night’s sleep to set them up well for tomorrow,” Dr. Stallman says.

“When parents notice their child sleepwalking, it’s natural for them to worry. Although it usually has no negative consequences, it can result in injuries including cuts and abrasions.” The study assessed 1814 Australia school children aged between 5 to 10 years, with parents reporting 10.5 per cent of children had sleepwalked during the previous week.