“Waking a sleepwalker is dangerous”

The idea that a sleepwalker should never be roused from their nocturnal wanderings is a persistent belief, often fueled by dramatic portrayals in fiction and old wives' tales. This misconception has roots in ancient times, with some cultures believing that a person's soul left their body during sleepwalking, and waking them would leave them soulless. Later, during the Early Modern Era, sleepwalking was sometimes viewed as a manifestation of an unhealthy mind. These historical fears contributed to the widespread notion that waking a sleepwalker could lead to severe medical consequences like heart attack, brain damage, or even death.

However, scientific evidence refutes these dramatic claims. Waking a sleepwalker poses no inherent medical danger to them. Sleepwalking, or somnambulism, occurs during the deep stages of non-REM sleep, where parts of the brain responsible for motor functions are active, while those governing judgment and awareness are still largely asleep. While it is not dangerous in a medical sense, a sudden awakening can cause significant confusion, disorientation, and agitation in the sleepwalker. They might be startled, lash out defensively, or simply be very confused about their surroundings, much like anyone abruptly pulled from a deep sleep.

The common belief that waking a sleepwalker is harmful likely stems from this disoriented and potentially agitated reaction. Witnessing someone suddenly confused or startled can be alarming for the person attempting to wake them, reinforcing the idea of danger. While it is generally recommended to gently guide a sleepwalker back to bed without fully waking them to avoid unnecessary distress, there are no physical health risks associated with rousing them. The primary concern is ensuring their safety and preventing them from injuring themselves due to their unaware state, whether by gently redirecting them or, if necessary, waking them calmly.