Sleepwalking (somnambulism) is a common parasomnia involving abnormal behaviors during sleep. It occurs when an individual is partially aroused from deep non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, usually in the first third of the night. Witnessing an episode can be alarming, but understanding the correct response is crucial; a misstep can inadvertently lead to injury or heightened distress.
Is Waking a Sleepwalker Dangerous?
The long-held belief that waking a sleepwalker can cause a heart attack or brain damage is a misconception. Scientific evidence does not support the idea that a sudden awakening causes permanent physical harm. However, abruptly rousing someone from deep sleep remains strongly discouraged by sleep specialists.
The danger lies not in physical trauma from the awakening itself, but in the sleepwalker’s immediate psychological state. When suddenly pulled from NREM sleep, the person is likely to experience extreme confusion and disorientation. This disoriented state can trigger a natural startle or “fight-or-flight” response.
The sleepwalker may panic, lash out, or attempt to flee, resulting in a fall or collision that causes injury. The primary objective is to avoid a sudden, forceful awakening that could escalate the situation and compromise safety.
Safe Intervention Strategies
The preferred course of action upon encountering a sleepwalker is gentle redirection rather than attempting to wake them. Maintaining a calm, quiet, and non-threatening demeanor avoids startling the individual. Speak in a soft, soothing voice, repeating their name and offering simple, calming phrases.
Physical contact should be avoided unless absolutely necessary to prevent immediate injury. If contact is needed, a very light, gentle touch can be used to steer them away from hazards. The ultimate aim is to patiently guide them back toward their bed, treating them as if they were awake but deeply confused.
Prioritizing environmental safety during the episode is also important. Quickly clear the immediate path of any tripping hazards, like furniture or clutter. Ensure exterior doors and windows are secured or locked to prevent the individual from wandering outside.
The Process for Waking Them Safely
Waking a sleepwalker becomes necessary only in rare situations where they face imminent, unavoidable danger, such as walking toward an open window or a busy street. In these cases, the awakening must be gradual and controlled to mitigate the risk of extreme confusion and panic.
Begin by using soft, verbal cues from a safe distance, repeating the person’s name calmly and slowly. Increase the volume and firmness of your voice incrementally, watching for any signs of arousal. Only if verbal attempts fail and the danger remains should a gentle, physical touch be introduced, such as a light touch on the arm or shoulder.
Be prepared for the sleepwalker to be intensely confused or agitated immediately after being awakened. Once they are conscious, reassure them about where they are and what happened to help them reorient themselves. Remain with them until they appear fully aware and calm before guiding them back to bed to resume sleep.
Identifying and Mitigating Triggers
Long-term management of sleepwalking focuses on identifying and reducing the factors that trigger episodes. Sleep deprivation is among the most common catalysts for somnambulism, as it leads to increased time spent in the deep NREM sleep stage. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and ensuring adequate sleep length—typically seven to nine hours for adults—can significantly help.
High levels of psychological stress and anxiety are also frequently implicated in triggering sleepwalking episodes. Incorporating relaxation techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, into the daily routine may help to lower overall stress. Avoiding alcohol and sedating medications near bedtime is also advised, as these substances can destabilize the sleep cycle and promote episodes.
If sleepwalking episodes are frequent, result in injury, or begin suddenly in adulthood, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended. An evaluation may be necessary to rule out underlying sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea, which fragment sleep and increase the likelihood of arousal disorders. In some cases, scheduled waking—where the individual is briefly woken up about 15 minutes before a typical episode time—can be used to disrupt the deep sleep cycle.