It’s a scenario many have encountered or at least imagined The thought of a loved one moving about the house while deep in slumber can be unsettling and often leads to the burning question What Happens If You Wake Someone Up While Sleepwalking
The Immediate Repercussions of Disrupting Sleepwalking
When you gently or abruptly awaken a person from a sleepwalking episode their immediate reaction can vary significantly They might appear confused disoriented and even frightened This is because they are being pulled out of a state of deep sleep into full consciousness which can be jarring It’s important to remember that they have no recollection of their sleepwalking activity and may not understand why they are suddenly awake or where they are
The way you wake them can influence their response
- A gentle nudge and soft spoken words are generally less likely to cause distress
- A sudden loud shout or forceful shake can lead to a more startled and potentially aggressive reaction
- Some individuals might become combative or try to push you away simply out of confusion and a sense of being threatened
The core of the issue lies in the incomplete state of consciousness Here’s a look at what’s happening internally
- Brain activity is still in a deep sleep stage
- Motor functions are active allowing movement
- Cognitive processing is significantly reduced making them unaware of their surroundings or actions
The importance of a calm and reassuring approach cannot be overstated when dealing with this situation
To better understand the nuances of sleepwalking and how to best manage such episodes, I recommend consulting the detailed information provided in the next section