Sleepwalking, Night Terrors, and Borrelia: How Mineral Imbalances Contribute to Sleep Disturbances in Children

Sleep disturbances are common in children, but when they include sleepwalking, night terrors, and other forms of nighttime agitation, it can be especially alarming for both parents and children. These issues can lead to disrupted sleep patterns, daytime fatigue, and anxiety, affecting both physical and emotional health.

What many parents don’t realize is that sleepwalking and night terrors are often not just the result of bad dreams or stress, but may be linked to underlying mineral imbalances and infectious agents such as Borrelia—the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease.

In this post, we will explore the connection between sleep disturbances in children, Borrelia infection, and mineral imbalances that contribute to these nighttime issues. By understanding these links, you can take steps to support your child’s health naturally and help restore peaceful sleep.

🛏️ Sleepwalking and Night Terrors: What’s Going On?

Sleepwalking (also called somnambulism) and night terrors are types of parasomnias, which are abnormal behaviors that occur during sleep. They often happen during deep stages of sleep (non-REM sleep) and can be very distressing to both children and parents.

Night Terrors: This is a state where a child wakes up abruptly from sleep in a state of intense fear or panic, often accompanied by screaming, thrashing, and a racing heart. The child may not be fully awake and often has little to no memory of the event in the morning.

Sleepwalking: Involves the child getting up and walking around while still asleep. They may perform routine activities, like getting dressed or eating, without being aware of it. Sleepwalking can also be accompanied by other behaviors such as talking or even engaging in unsafe activities.

While these behaviors may seem like normal childhood sleep issues, they can actually be signs of deeper health imbalances, including mineral deficiencies, heavy metal toxicity, or infections like Borrelia.

Borrelia and Sleep Disturbances

Borrelia is a type of bacteria responsible for Lyme disease, which is transmitted by ticks. While the primary symptoms of Lyme disease may include fatigue, joint pain, and neurological issues, Borrelia infections can also cause significant disruptions to sleep patterns.

Borrelia has been linked to neurological symptoms such as brain fog, irritability, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. The bacteria can affect the nervous system, leading to abnormal sleep patterns and parasomnias such as sleepwalking and night terrors.

Here’s how Borrelia infection can contribute to sleep disturbances:

1. Neurological Disruption: Borrelia can alter neurotransmitter function, impacting the parasympathetic nervous system (which regulates rest and sleep). This disruption can result in difficulty transitioning into restful sleep, leading to fragmented sleep patterns and increased nighttime arousals.

2. Increased Inflammation: Borrelia infection can trigger an inflammatory response in the body. This inflammation can affect the brain and the pathways that regulate sleep, leading to more frequent awakenings, night terrors, and sleepwalking episodes.

3. Impaired Detoxification: Borrelia also impairs the body's ability to detoxify and eliminate waste. This can result in a buildup of toxins in the brain, which can interfere with normal brain function and sleep regulation.

If your child has experienced tick exposure or lives in an area where Lyme disease is prevalent, Borrelia infection could be contributing to their sleep disturbances.

The Role of Mineral Imbalances in Sleep Issues

In addition to infections like Borrelia, mineral imbalances are another crucial factor that can contribute to sleepwalking, night terrors, and other sleep disorders. Magnesium, calcium, and potassium are all minerals that play an important role in regulating sleep, while imbalances in these minerals can lead to disrupted sleep patterns.

Here’s how mineral imbalances can affect sleep:

• Magnesium Deficiency: Magnesium is often called the “relaxation mineral” because it helps to calm the nervous system and promote restful sleep. Low magnesium levels can contribute to restlessness, anxiety, and difficulty falling or staying asleep, which can increase the likelihood of night terrors and sleepwalking.

• Calcium/Potassium Imbalance: The ratio of calcium to potassium is a key indicator of thyroid function and nervous system health. An imbalance, especially high calcium levels, can lead to symptoms like muscle tension, nervousness, and sleep disturbances. Calcium also plays a role in regulating sleep cycles, and when it is imbalanced, it can contribute to a lack of deep, restorative sleep.

• Copper Toxicity: Elevated copper levels can also impact the nervous system and contribute to anxiety, restlessness, and sleep issues. Copper toxicity has been linked to conditions like anxiety disorders and insomnia, which can exacerbate sleepwalking or night terrors.

Addressing Sleepwalking, Night Terrors, and Borrelia Naturally

Addressing sleep disturbances in children requires a holistic approach that targets both mineral imbalances and underlying infections. Here are a few ways to support your child’s sleep naturally:

1. HTMA Testing: The first step in addressing mineral imbalances is to conduct a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) to identify deficiencies or excesses in minerals like magnesium, calcium, and copper. By restoring balance to these minerals, you can support the nervous system and improve sleep quality.

2. Support Magnesium: If magnesium deficiency is identified, increasing intake through magnesium-rich foods (like leafy greens, seeds, and nuts) or supplementation can help calm the nervous system and improve sleep quality.

3. Address Borrelia Infection: If Borrelia infection is suspected, working with a healthcare provider to address the infection through antibiotic treatment or natural remedies (like herbs and antimicrobial supplements) may be necessary to reduce the neurological impact and improve sleep.

4. Detoxification: Supporting your child’s detoxification pathways through liver support (with herbs like milk thistle) and gut health support (with probiotics and fiber-rich foods) can help the body eliminate toxins, reduce inflammation, and restore restful sleep.

5. Relaxation Techniques: Incorporating relaxation techniques before bedtime—such as deep breathing, gentle yoga, or meditation—can help your child wind down and transition into a peaceful sleep.

6. Adrenal Support: If your child is experiencing stress-related sleep issues, supporting adrenal health through adaptogenic herbs (like ashwagandha) and lifestyle modifications can help calm the nervous system and restore better sleep cycles.

Sleepwalking and night terrors are often symptoms of deeper health issues that can be addressed naturally through mineral balancing and proper treatment for infections like Borrelia. By targeting the root causes of these disturbances, you can help your child achieve restful, restorative sleep and reduce the anxiety and fear associated with these behaviors.

If your child is struggling with sleep disturbances, an HTMA test and a thorough evaluation of their health could be the first step in restoring balance to their body and improving their sleep quality.