What happens if you wake a sleep walker?

Waking a sleepwalker can be disorienting and potentially dangerous.

During sleepwalking, a person is in a state of partial arousal and is not fully aware of their surroundings. This can make them more susceptible to confusion, fear, and anxiety when woken up suddenly.

Additionally, sleepwalkers may have difficulty coordinating their movements and may be at risk of falling or injuring themselves. In rare cases, sleepwalking can even lead to episodes of sleep paralysis or hallucinations.

Here's what happens when you wake a sleepwalker:

- Confusion and disorientation: When woken up suddenly, sleepwalkers may feel confused and disoriented. They may not be immediately aware of where they are or what is happening, and they may have difficulty processing information.

- Fear and anxiety: Sleepwalking can be a frightening experience, and waking up suddenly can make it worse. Sleepwalkers may feel afraid or anxious and may try to resist being woken up.

- Difficulty coordinating movements: Sleepwalkers' movements are often uncoordinated and clumsy. This can make them more likely to fall or injure themselves.

- Sleep paralysis: In rare cases, sleepwalking can lead to episodes of sleep paralysis. During sleep paralysis, a person is conscious but unable to move or speak.

- Hallucinations: In rare cases, sleepwalkers may experience hallucinations, such as seeing or hearing things that are not there.

If you need to wake a sleepwalker, it is important to do so gently and calmly. Try speaking their name in a soft, soothing voice and gently guiding them back to bed.

Avoid making sudden movements or noises, as these can startle the sleepwalker and make the situation worse.

If the sleepwalker is resistant to being woken up, it is best to leave them alone and allow them to finish their sleep cycle.