“Waking a sleepwalker is dangerous.”

The idea that waking a sleepwalker is dangerous, leading to severe consequences like a heart attack or brain damage, is a persistent misconception with roots in historical beliefs and popular culture. This myth has been perpetuated through old wives' tales and even horror films, which incorrectly depict dire outcomes for a suddenly awakened sleepwalker. Historically, in the 12th and 13th centuries, some scholars believed that a person's soul would leave their body during sleepwalking, and waking them would leave them soulless. Later, in the Early Modern Era, sleepwalking was sometimes viewed as a symptom of an unhealthy mind.

However, scientific evidence refutes these dramatic claims. Neurologists confirm that stories about brain or heart injuries from waking a sleepwalker are pure myth. While a sleepwalker isn't fully conscious, they are also not completely asleep; their brain is in an in-between state of sleep and arousal, specifically during deep non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. Waking them will not cause them to lose their soul or suffer brain damage. The primary concern, according to medical professionals, is that a sleepwalker may be confused, disoriented, or startled if suddenly awakened. This abrupt awakening can trigger a fight-or-flight response, potentially causing them to lash out, fall, or injure themselves or the person who woke them.

People continue to believe this myth largely due to the unsettling nature of observing someone sleepwalking. Their strange, often blank expressions and seemingly purposeful movements can be disconcerting, leading to the assumption that their mind is in a fragile state that shouldn't be disturbed. While it is generally recommended to gently guide a sleepwalker back to bed to avoid startling them, the crucial takeaway is that waking them is not inherently harmful to their health. If a sleepwalker is in immediate danger, such as heading towards stairs or sharp objects, calmly waking them is the safest course of action to ensure their well-being.