What happens if you wake a sleepwalker?
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By Reneé Prince
Sleepwalking affects as many as 17% of children (1) and 2% to 4% of adults. The tendency to sleepwalk can run in families (2), and may occur with night terrors or other sleep disorders. Unlike dreams and nightmares, sleepwalking tends to occur during the first deep sleep of the night, about an hour or two after going to bed.
During a sleepwalking episode (3), a person might go to the bathroom, walk down the stairs, or do other complex activities while asleep. Episodes usually last about 10 minutes (4), after which the person will usually fall back asleep (5) and wake up the next morning with no memory of having sleepwalked.
Sleepwalking can be frightening for those who witness it. If you live with someone who sleepwalks, you may wonder what happens if you wake up a sleepwalker, and what’s the best way to keep them safe.
Is sleepwalking dangerous?
Sleepwalking is not dangerous (6) in and of itself. Walking while asleep is not considered to be a sign of any serious und...
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