Is it possible to wake up a sleepwalker?
My husband suddenly got up while sleeping at night. I softly called his name, but he didn't respond. I looked it up online and found it might be sleepwalking. Is it okay to wake up someone who is sleepwalking?
Doctor's answer (1)
Sleepwalking, also known as somnambulism, generally should not be interrupted by forcibly waking the person who is sleepwalking.
1. Sleepwalking typically occurs during a special state between deep sleep and wakefulness, during which the person's brain and body functions are not fully awake. If suddenly awakened during an episode, the individual may feel confused, frightened, or even experience temporary disorientation, and sometimes may display aggressive behavior.
2. If the sleepwalker is in a situation that may endanger themselves or others—for example, heading toward a dangerous location or engaging in risky behavior—it is advisable to gently but firmly guide them back to a safe place or attempt to wake them using milder methods, such as softly calling their name. The next day, one can discuss what happened during the night with the sleepwalker and consider taking measures to reduce the frequency of sleepwalking, such as improving sleep hygiene and reducing stress. If sleepwalking occurs frequently and affects quality of life, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
Therefore, upon discovering a sleepwalker, the best course of action is, while ensuring their safety, to minimize interference as much as possible.
