Is it dangerous to wake a sleepwalker?

Sleepwalking, or somnambulism, is a relatively common sleep disorder that affects about 4% of adults. During sleepwalking, a person can perform complex movements like walking or talking, even though they are asleep. The behavior is more common in children and often disappears as they age, but some adults also experience it.

One of the biggest myths surrounding sleepwalking is that it is dangerous to wake a sleepwalker. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. In fact, waking a sleepwalker is generally safe and may help prevent injury.

While it is true that a sleepwalker may feel disoriented or confused upon waking, this is usually short-lived and poses no serious health risk. In fact, the most dangerous aspect of sleepwalking is the potential for the sleepwalker to accidentally harm themselves or others while performing complex movements or navigating unfamiliar surroundings.

Therefore, if you encounter a sleepwalker, the best course of action is to gently guide them back to bed or a safe location, without trying to fully wake them up. If you must wake them up, do so slowly and calmly, and be prepared to help them get back to sleep if necessary.