Sleepwalking: The Risks Of Waking A Walker

Sleepwalking, or somnambulism, is a sleep disorder that usually occurs in childhood and is often outgrown by adulthood. Sleepwalkers are in a state of partial wakefulness, where the brain is active enough to initiate movement but not enough to reach full consciousness. While sleepwalking itself is not harmful, waking a sleepwalker can be dangerous as it may lead to disorientation, distress, and even violent or confused reactions. There are also potential risks of injury to the sleepwalker or others if they are engaged in complex behaviours such as driving. However, the belief that waking a sleepwalker is harmful stems from ancient myths and old wives' tales, and it is not true that it can cause a heart attack, brain damage, or death.

Why is it dangerous to wake a sleepwalker?

It is difficult to wake a sleepwalker

Sleepwalking, or "somnambulism", is a sleep disorder that involves a person performing activities that are usually associated with the conscious state, such as sitting up in bed, ambling around the house, or even driving long distances, all while remaining in a state of sleep. Sleepwalking occurs when the brain becomes active enough for the person to move but not active enough for them to wake up. This is a state of partial wakefulness, and sleepwalkers can find it difficult to wake up from this state.

Sleepwalking itself is not harmful to a person's health, and waking a sleepwalker will not cause them to have a heart attack or any other serious trauma, contrary to popular belief. However, it is generally advised not to wake a sleepwalker if it can be avoided. This is because the sleepwalker will be in a state of deep sleep and will be very difficult to wake up. If you do manage to wake them, they are likely to be extremely confused and disoriented, which can lead to distress and even violent or confused reactions.

If you encounter someone who is sleepwalking, it is important to ensure their safety by guiding them back to bed gently and removing any potential hazards from their path. It is also recommended to use locks and latches to limit how far they can go and to secure any items that could cause injury, such as firearms or sharp objects.

If sleepwalking occurs regularly and causes problems, it is advised to consult a sleep disorder specialist. They may suggest noting the time when the sleepwalking tends to happen and then gently waking the person about 15 minutes before this time.

Waking a sleepwalker can be distressing for them

The belief that waking a sleepwalker is dangerous stems from ancient myths and horror films, which incorrectly claim that the sleepwalker could suffer a heart attack, brain damage, or even die. While experts agree that these claims are false, they also advise against waking a sleepwalker unless absolutely necessary. Waking a sleepwalker can be challenging, and they may become very agitated and disoriented, potentially leading to violent or confused reactions.

If you encounter a sleepwalker, it is essential to prioritize their safety and your own. Ensure that the environment is free of hazards, such as breakable objects or sharp tools, which could cause injury. You can also use bells or other sound-producing devices to alert you to a sleepwalker's presence and gently guide them back to bed.

In the case of children who sleepwalk, sleep disorder specialists recommend that parents spend a week noting the time when the sleepwalking usually occurs and then gently waking the child about 15 minutes before this time. This proactive approach can help prevent the distress and disorientation that may result from abruptly waking a sleepwalker.

While it is unlikely that a sleepwalker will notice your presence, if you must wake them, do so gently and avoid startling them. The sleepwalker's deep state of sleep means they may not fully comprehend their surroundings, leading to potential confusion and distress upon waking.

Sleepwalkers can be disoriented when woken up

Sleepwalking, or "somnambulism", is a sleep disorder that involves complex behaviours while the sleeper is in a state of low-level cognition. Sleepwalkers are in a deep sleep and are therefore difficult to wake up. However, if they are woken up, they may become disoriented and distressed.

Sleep disorder specialists suggest that, in the case of children who sleepwalk regularly, it is appropriate to gently wake them about 15 minutes before they usually start sleepwalking. This can help prevent them from sleepwalking again. In the case of adults, it is generally advised not to wake a sleepwalker forcefully, as this could lead to disorientation or even a violent response. Instead, it is recommended to calmly lead them back to bed to ensure their safety.

Sleepwalking itself is not harmful to one's health, and it is a myth that waking a sleepwalker will cause them to have a heart attack or die. However, sleepwalkers can be a danger to themselves and others during an episode, as they may engage in complex behaviours such as driving long distances or acting out violently. Therefore, it is generally best to avoid waking a sleepwalker unless necessary.

If you do need to wake a sleepwalker, it is important to do so gently and calmly. It may be helpful to guide them back to bed and ensure they are safe before letting them fall back asleep.

Sleepwalkers can act violently when woken up

Sleepwalking, or "somnambulism", is a sleep disorder that causes people to move around or engage in unusual or unexpected activities while still asleep. It is a part of a larger category of sleep-related disorders known as parasomnias, which include night terrors, REM behaviour disorder, restless leg syndrome, and sleepwalking. Sleepwalking is usually not serious, and only about 1% of people who sleepwalk as children continue to sleepwalk as adults. However, sleepwalkers can sometimes act violently when woken up.

Sleepwalking itself does not cause any health problems, and waking a sleepwalker will not cause them to have a heart attack or other serious trauma. The stories about injuries to the brain or heart after waking a sleepwalker are pure myth. However, it is best to avoid waking a sleepwalker if possible, as it may distress them and cause disorientation. They may also have violent or confused reactions, lashing out or falling, which could injure them or the person waking them.

Sleepwalkers can sometimes engage in complex behaviours such as driving long distances, and they can hurt others with sleep aggression and violence. They may also engage in inappropriate sexual behaviours (sexsomnia) or perform mundane activities such as sitting up in bed, ambling around the house, or dressing and undressing. In some cases, sleepwalkers have torn their bedroom doors off their hinges or frantically driven to a relative's house. While it is rare, some sleepwalkers have also exhibited violent behaviour.

If you encounter a sleepwalker, it is best to gently encourage or lead them back to bed and let them continue their night's rest. Taking safety precautions, such as locking doors and windows, removing breakable objects, and using bells or other sound-producing items to alert you to a sleepwalker's presence, can help prevent injuries and minimise the risk of harm.

Sleepwalkers can be a danger to themselves and others

Sleepwalking, or "somnambulism", is a sleep disorder that involves complex behaviours while the sleeper lacks high-level cognition. Sleepwalkers can engage in activities such as sitting up in bed, ambling around the house, or even driving long distances, all while in a state of partial wakefulness. While sleepwalking itself is not harmful to one's health, it can pose risks to both the sleepwalker and those around them.

The risks associated with sleepwalking extend beyond physical dangers. Sleepwalkers can find themselves in distressing or embarrassing situations, such as leaving the house in inappropriate clothing or engaging in unusual behaviours that may be misinterpreted by others. The disorientation and confusion upon waking can further add to their distress, leading to emotional or psychological consequences.

Additionally, sleepwalking can indicate underlying sleep disorders or medical conditions that require attention. It is often triggered by factors such as sleep deprivation, certain medications, or unexpected noises, which can disrupt the normal sleep cycle and brain activity. Therefore, addressing these triggers is crucial to prevent potential harm to sleepwalkers and ensure they get the necessary support.

While waking a sleepwalker may not cause serious health issues like heart attacks or brain damage, as commonly believed, it is generally not recommended. Forcibly waking a sleepwalker can lead to disorientation, agitation, and even violent reactions. Instead, it is advisable to calmly guide them back to bed or gently wake them before their usual sleepwalking time to prevent future episodes.

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