Sleepwalking: Why You Shouldn't Wake A Sleepwalker

Sleepwalking, or somnambulism, is a sleep disorder that occurs when a person is in an in-between state of sleep and arousal. While it is generally considered a myth that waking a sleepwalker will cause them to have a heart attack or brain damage, it is not recommended to wake a sleepwalker if it can be avoided. This is because they may feel disoriented, confused, or startled, and exhibit a stress response such as lashing out in self-defence. Sleepwalking itself is not harmful, but sleepwalkers are at risk of injuring themselves due to their lack of awareness of their surroundings. If a sleepwalker cannot be guided gently back to bed, it is important to take precautions when waking them, such as making loud noises from a safe distance rather than touching or shaking them.

Sleepwalking is a state of being in between sleep and arousal, with some parts of the brain awake and others asleep

Sleepwalking, or somnambulism, is a sleep disorder that occurs when a person is in a state of partial wakefulness from a deep sleep cycle. It is a phenomenon where a person performs physical activities while still asleep. This happens when a person in a deep stage of sleep is partially awakened or triggered to perform a physical activity.

During sleepwalking, a person's eyes may be open with a blank facial expression, and they may perform actions that appear to have a purpose, such as walking or making a sandwich. They may also engage in dangerous activities such as driving a car or walking outside alone in the dark. While sleepwalking itself does not cause health problems, it can lead to safety concerns and indirect problems such as bumping into objects or using kitchen knives.

Waking a sleepwalker is generally considered safe and will not cause them to have a heart attack or other serious trauma, contrary to popular belief. However, it is often challenging and sometimes impossible to wake them up. If they do wake up, sleepwalkers may feel disoriented, confused, and scared, and they typically do not remember their overnight behaviour. Additionally, waking a sleepwalker may trigger a stress response, and they may exhibit a self-defensive reaction, such as lashing out. Therefore, it is generally recommended to avoid waking a sleepwalker if possible and instead gently guide them back to bed without interrupting their sleep.

Sleepwalkers are not in danger of a heart attack, brain damage, or death, but waking them may trigger a stress response

Sleepwalking is a parasomnia that can cause people to perform mundane activities such as sitting up in bed or ambling around the house, and, in rarer cases, more complex behaviours like preparing meals, having intercourse, or even driving cars. Sleepwalking is generally considered harmless to the sleeper, and waking a sleepwalker will not cause them to have a heart attack or brain damage. However, it is important to approach the situation with caution as waking a sleepwalker may trigger a stress response.

Sleepwalking itself does not cause any direct health problems, but it can cause issues indirectly due to safety concerns. For example, a sleepwalker could accidentally walk out of the house, jump out of a window, or use a kitchen knife. These safety concerns are typically what make sleepwalking dangerous, rather than the act of waking a sleepwalker.

While it is a myth that sleepwalkers can die of shock if they are woken up, it is true that waking a sleepwalker, especially forcefully, may distress them. Sleepwalkers can become very disoriented when woken up and may have violent or confused reactions. However, there are no documented cases of someone dying from being woken up during sleepwalking. Instead, the hazard of sleepwalking is more closely linked to the potential dangers the sleepwalker may encounter while roaming.

If you encounter a sleepwalker, it is generally recommended to simply guide them back to bed. There is no consensus on the best approach when dealing with a sleepwalking person, but experts who discourage waking them up cite the potential for unsuccessful attempts and patient disorientation. In the case of children, it is recommended to wake them up 45 minutes after they have fallen asleep to interrupt the sleepwalking cycle and reduce the likelihood of future episodes.

Sleepwalkers are at risk of injuring themselves, so it's important to guide them back to bed

Sleepwalking can be harmful to one's health and safety. Sleepwalkers are at risk of injuring themselves due to their lack of awareness of their surroundings. They may bump into objects, trip over obstacles, or even use dangerous items such as knives or lighters. Therefore, it is crucial to take action and guide a sleepwalker back to bed to prevent any potential harm.

The first step in handling a sleepwalking incident is to try to gently guide the person back to bed without waking them. This approach ensures their safety and avoids the confusion and disorientation that can occur when a sleepwalker is abruptly awakened. It is important to remember that sleepwalkers usually have their eyes open, but they are not fully aware of their surroundings.

If the sleepwalker does not respond to gentle guidance and insists on wandering, waking them may be necessary as a last resort. However, it is essential to do this safely. Avoid touching or shaking the sleepwalker, as they may feel threatened and exhibit a stress response, such as lashing out in self-defence. Instead, make loud, sharp noises from a safe distance.

Once the sleepwalker is awake, they may be confused and scared. It is important to provide reassurance and explain what happened gently. You can then encourage them to return to bed and rest, knowing that they are safe. Additionally, it is recommended to modify the environment to reduce potential hazards for sleepwalkers. This includes removing or securing hazardous items, blocking off stairs, and avoiding the use of bunk beds.

In conclusion, sleepwalking poses risks of injury to the sleepwalker, and it is crucial to take preventive measures. Gently guiding a sleepwalker back to bed is the safest approach, and if necessary, one can wake them up safely and provide reassurance. By taking these steps, we can ensure the safety and well-being of our loved ones who experience sleepwalking.

Sleepwalking is often caused by sleep deprivation, certain medications, unexpected noises, or insufficient sleep

Sleepwalking, or somnambulism, is a sleep disorder that causes people to move around and engage in activities while still asleep. While sleepwalking itself does not cause health problems, it can cause safety concerns, such as accidentally injuring oneself. Sleepwalking is often caused by a combination of factors, including sleep deprivation, certain medications, unexpected noises, and insufficient sleep.

Sleep deprivation is a common factor contributing to sleepwalking. People who are sleep-deprived are more likely to sleepwalk and may be able to perform more complex tasks while sleepwalking. This is especially true if they have gone more than 24 hours without sleep before the sleepwalking episode. Sleep deprivation can impair an individual's problem-solving skills and coordination abilities, leading to potential dangers during a sleepwalking episode.

Certain medications have been linked to sleepwalking behavior. The FDA has issued warnings about specific prescription insomnia medicines, including eszopiclone (Lunesta), zaleplon (Sonata), and zolpidem (Ambien), which have been associated with rare but serious injuries and even deaths due to complex sleep behaviors. These behaviors can occur even after a single dose of these medications and can cause individuals to engage in activities such as sleep driving without being fully awake.

Unexpected noises or sounds that wake someone up can also trigger sleepwalking episodes, especially in individuals who are predisposed to sleepwalking. Noises can interrupt the sleep cycle and cause disorientation, potentially leading to sleepwalking. Additionally, insufficient sleep or short sleep duration can increase the likelihood of sleepwalking. Maintaining healthy sleep habits and ensuring adequate sleep duration can help reduce the risk of sleepwalking episodes.

It is important to note that sleepwalking usually starts in childhood, and most people outgrow it by adulthood. However, addressing the underlying causes and managing sleep habits can help mitigate the frequency and potential risks associated with sleepwalking.

Sleepwalking is common in children, with 40% having sleepwalked at least once, and it becomes rarer with age

Sleepwalking is common in children, with up to 15% of children experiencing it, and it usually occurs between the ages of 4 and 8. Most people grow out of sleepwalking by the time they reach adulthood, with only about 1% of adults continuing to sleepwalk. Sleepwalking tends to run in families, and a child is more likely to sleepwalk if their parents do. Genetics is the only cause of sleepwalking that researchers have been able to identify with certainty.

Sleepwalking itself is generally harmless and is not known to cause any direct health problems. However, it can lead to safety concerns and an increased risk of injury for the sleepwalker. They might, for example, fall down stairs, jump out of a window, or use sharp objects. Sleepwalking can also sometimes result in inappropriate behaviours, such as inappropriate sexual behaviours or agitation if the sleeper is woken up.

If you see someone sleepwalking, it is generally recommended to gently guide them back to bed without waking them. This is because waking a sleepwalker can be difficult and may lead to confusion or disorientation. The sleepwalker may feel like they are being attacked and exhibit a stress response, such as lashing out in self-defence. If you need to wake a sleepwalker, it is best to do so from a safe distance by making loud, sharp noises. You can also use bells or other sound-producing, motion-sensitive items to alert you to a sleepwalking family member.

To prevent sleepwalking episodes and ensure safety, it is important to take certain precautions. This includes securing dangerous items, such as sharp objects and firearms, and removing potential fall hazards, such as low furniture or rugs. It is also recommended to keep windows and doors locked and to avoid the use of bunk beds. Additionally, maintaining a regular and relaxing bedtime routine, limiting caffeine intake, and ensuring adequate sleep can help reduce the occurrence of sleepwalking.

Frequently asked questions