How to Wake Someone Up When Sleep Walking

Sleepwalking is most common in young children between the ages of three and 12. While the condition is not a disorder unless it interferes with daily performance at school or work, it does run in families. Sleepwalking usually happens during the first hour of sleep, when the person reaches the deepest level. This is why waking a sleepwalker is precarious. No harm comes to him by being woken. However, he often ends up disoriented, scared and unpredictable.

Things You'll Need

• Metal canister
• Small, hard objects
• Duct tape

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Instructions

• 1

  Remove the lid on a metal canister and fill the insides halfway with small and hard objects. The object should be loud when shaken. Coins, screws or small beads would all work well.

• 2

  Place the canister lid back on. Tape the lid in place with a strip of duct tape. Put the canister near your bed, so you have easy access to it at night when you need it.

• 3

  Guide the sleepwalker back to bed, if possible. Gently put a hand on one of his elbows and steer him toward his room. If he does not follow, stand two to three feet away from him and vigorously shake the canister.

• 4

  Continue shaking the canister until the person has woken up. Once awake, tell him who you are, in a reassuring voice, but do not walk toward him. Since the person does not recognize you at first, he may become agitated and strike out.