5 effective and safe ways to wake up a sleepwalker

Seeing someone sleepwalking can be pretty frightening as you might not know what to do to wake them up, or if you should wake them up. There are some tips and methods you can use to get a sleepwalker to a safe and wake state. In this article we are going to go over the reason behind sleepwalking and how you can wake a sleepwalker.

Why do some people sleep walk?

First, let’s talk about sleepwalking and why some people sleepwalk. Sleepwalking (somnambulism) happens when someone walks or does complex physical activities during their sleep and usually happens in the third stage of sleep (N3) which is a deep sleep. This phenomenon is more common in children and young adults with a 40% rate, since older people have a shorter deep sleep. Generally, studies shows that 40% of people experience sleepwalking at least once in their life.

The exact reason of sleepwalking is rather unknown. But there are somethings that can increase the chances of someone starting to sleepwalk.

• Not getting enough sleep. Lack of sleep can potentially lead to sleepwalking
• Stress and anxiety
• Fatigue
• Drinking too much alcohol

Also, sleepwalking tends to run in families. If your parents or a close family member sleepwalks, you’re more likely to show sleepwalking behaviors.

In some cases, a person can sit on the bed during sleep. In more extreme cases they can actually get up and walk around the house or do some activities like driving a car.

Should you wake a sleepwalker?

There is a myth from long ago that you shouldn’t wake someone who’s sleepwalking. In fact, sleepwalkers are in a very deep sleep and in extreme cases they can hurt themselves unintentionally. So, it’s important to make sure they get back to bed safely. If you can’t gently redirect them to their bedroom, it’s advised to try and wake them up slowly. There are also ways to wake up a heavy sleeper that can help you to deal with sleepwalker as well, as they are also in a deep sleep.

How to wake a sleepwalker safely?

1. Safety first

The most important about people who sleepwalk is that they are in a very deep sleep and they might do something to put you or themselves in danger. Always try and keep a safe distance from them and don’t startle them. Also, remove any dangerous obstacle or object from their way.

2. Gentle guidance

If you’re able, try to gently redirect them to their bed without waking them up. Sometimes, this gentle guidance can slowly wake them up without putting them in a distressed mode.

3. Making noises

Try calling their name repeatedly or speaking to them in a calm voice. Making loud and sudden noises can suddenly wake them up and make them distressed and disoriented. Playing gentle music can also be helpful.

4. Light touch

You can also lightly touch their shoulders and arms to gently wake them up. Shaking them or making sudden movements can be very harmful as they can wake up disoriented and confuse and possibly dangerous.

5. Increase light

Gradually increasing the light can also help them get out of their sleep state and wake up. Once again, avoid doing anything sudden to wake them up.

Seeing someone sleepwalking can be frightening as you might not know how you should handle that situation. Knowing the causes that can potentially lead to sleepwalking and ways to help someone in that state can be very helpful for both of you.

Sweet walking dreams! 😉

FAQ about sleepwalking

Is it dangerous to wake up a sleepwalker?

It’s usually not dangerous to wake them up gently or guide them back to bed. However, you would keep in mind that startling them or making sudden movements and noises can cause distress and disorientation in them and sometimes make them dangerous.

What age are you most likely to sleepwalk?

Sleepwalking is really common between children as one third of them can experience this. It usually happens between the age of 4 and 8 years old.

How can I stop sleepwalking?

Getting enough sleep, avoiding stress and alcohol can really help with sleepwalking. If these don’t change your state, you should talk to your doctor about your symptoms. Sometimes sleepwalking is a symptom of a neurocognitive disorder in older people.