Will waking sleepwalkers harm them?

Recent research from Stanford University School of Medicine indicates that somewhere between 3% and 4% of the U.S. adult population sleepwalked during the past year (higher than earlier estimates). In children, it’s even more common.

Sleepwalking occurs when the brain in half-asleep and half-awake. Sleepwalkers can perform complex activities such as preparing meals or driving a car, and have been even known to commit murder!

It is not clear how this myth originated or exactly how a sleepwalker might be harmed if you wake them (most commonly stated is the possibility of a heart attack). All experts agree, however, that there is no danger to the sleepwalker if you wake them up and in fact you might be preventing them from harming themselves by tripping and falling, etc.

Some experts do still caution against waking sleepwalkers – because it might be dangerous to YOU. Upon being wakened suddenly (sleepwalking on occurs in the deepest stage of sleep), the individual will probably be startled and disoriented, and might even strike out or attack you. In this case, it may be best to simply take them by the arm and gently lead them back to their bed.