What Happens if You Wake Up a Sleepwalker?

Sleepwalking is a common parasomnia, or an abnormal behavior during sleep, that happens as a result of incomplete arousal from deep sleep. Approximately 7% of people will have a sleepwalking episode during their lifetime, and children are more likely than adults to sleepwalk Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source . 

Given the prevalence, many people likely know someone who sleepwalks. Watching a loved one sleepwalk may feel strange or startling, especially if it’s for the first time, and it can be uncertain how to react in the situation.

We take a closer look at what you should do when you encounter a sleepwalker, including whether you should wake them and how to keep them safe.

Should You Wake a Sleepwalker?

As long as a sleepwalker isn’t in immediate danger, most experts agree the safest strategy is to gently redirect them back to bed without waking. That’s because a person’s brain is partly awake and partly in NREM sleep, a deep stage of slow-wave sleep, during sleepwalking Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source . When awakened, it takes time for a sleepwalker to regain full consciousness since their brain is in “low energy mode,” says Kin M. Yuen, MD, a spokesperson for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. This semi-conscious state can lead to disorientation and confusion.

On the other hand, if the sleepwalker is in danger of harming themselves, it’s better to wake them to keep them safe, says Angela Holliday-Bell, MD, certified sleep specialist and board-certified pediatrician. Even if the person is slightly disoriented and confused upon waking, at least they won’t get hurt.

What Happens if You Wake Up a Sleepwalker?

Sleepwalking typically occurs during deep, non-REM sleep when the brain isn’t fully alert. Specifically, the parts of the brain responsible for consciousness and cognition are in deep, slow-wave sleep while sleepwalking, says Mark Wu, MD, PhD, professor of neurology, medicine, and neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University.

When the brain is shut down in this way, it has a difficult time transitioning from a sleep state to a wake state. This explains why sleepwalkers often experience confusion, mental fog, or grogginess if woken suddenly, and why many sleepwalkers may not remember the incident.

When someone abruptly wakes from a deep sleep, they may also experience an adrenaline surge, Dr. Yuen says. This heightened state of arousal can cause disorientation, a racing heart, or sweating. “Because of this, they may appear to be startled, and their behavior may be unpredictable,” she says.

Why Is It Dangerous to Wake a Sleepwalker?

Most sleep experts agree: It’s not unsafe to wake someone who’s sleepwalking. If you choose to wake a sleepwalker, odds are, “nothing dangerous will happen,” Dr. Wu says. 

However, waking a sleepwalker is not without some risk. For example, if the person becomes very confused or disoriented, they might hurt themselves trying to run away or defend themselves if they feel threatened, Dr. Wu says.

Still, the act of sleepwalking itself is often more dangerous than waking a person who sleepwalks. In fact, sleepwalking is one of the top reasons for sleep-related injury Trusted Source The Lancet Neurology View Source . A sleepwalker could fall down the stairs or leave the house and get hurt.

What Can You Do if Someone Is Sleepwalking?

Witnessing a partner, roommate, child, or other family member have a sleepwalking episode can be a strange and unsettling experience. But staying calm is key. Here are a few strategies to help keep both you and the sleepwalker safe.

Secure the Environment

If you have someone in your home who sleepwalks frequently, it’s best to be prepared. “Make sure windows are locked, and there are no objects on the floor they could trip on,” Dr. Wu says. “Place a bell or alarm on the bedroom door, so other people will be alert to the possibility that the individual could be sleepwalking.” If you have stairs, blocking or securing the staircase is also crucial. 

Guide Them Back to Bed

Your best course of action is to get the sleepwalker back to bed safely. However, it’s important to keep yourself safe, too. Sometimes sleepwalkers, particularly men, can get aggressive or violent if someone attempts to block, grab, or restrain them during an episode. 

“It’s best to gently guide them back to bed without waking them using a calm voice and light touch,” Dr. Holliday-Bell says. And if they’re in a potentially harmful situation, calmly and quietly encourage the sleepwalker away from the area that poses danger, Dr. Yuen adds.

Wake Them Only if Necessary

“If they are at risk (near stairs or doors), it’s okay to wake them, but do it gently, not with loud noises, which can cause panic,” Dr. Holliday-Bell says. “You should stay calm and quiet, gently redirect them, and block any hazards. After waking, stay nearby until they’re fully awake and alert.”

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