Why You Can’t Wake a Sleepwalker
The best way to wake a sleepwalker is to lead them back to bed, but that is not always possible. In some cases, the awoken sleepwalker may be confused and may even hurt someone trying to help them. If you must wake one of these sleepwalkers, be sure to use a light touch, and speak in a quiet voice.
Sleepwalking, or somnambulism, is a sleeping disorder that affects up to 15 percent of children. While it may be frightening for family members and caregivers, the condition can be treatable with the right tools.
The most common cause of sleepwalking is a lack of enough sleep. The best way to combat this is to try and go to bed at the same time every night. You should also avoid caffeine before bedtime and go to the bathroom before getting into bed. There are some medications you can take to help reduce the incidence of sleepwalking.
There are also ways to prevent it. Sleep deprivation can disrupt the body’s natural sleep patterns and may even interfere with your memory. When you are awake, your mind has a chance to reestablish these normal patterns. This will improve your health, as well as your emotional intelligence. A good night’s sleep can help you perform better at work, school, and sports.
As you can see, sleepwalking is not as dangerous as it has been made out to be. It is a mild condition that most people have experienced only once or twice in their lifetime. However, if it persists, you need to seek professional help. Some of the things you can do include taking sleep medication, using hypnosis, or changing your environment.
The first thing you should do is to avoid potentially dangerous areas. This means avoiding bunk beds, sharp objects around the bed, and broken objects in or near the room. Also, be sure to keep your car keys in a secure place. Other helpful tips include locking your windows, using a security gate, and keeping a safe distance from sleepwalkers.
The most obvious way to wake a sleepwalker is to call their name. Doing this will not only alert them to their presence, but will also put them in a more positive frame of mind. Another option is to walk with them until they reach the doorway of their room.
One of the other ways to wake a sleepwalker is to set an impromptu alarm. This will help to wake a sleepwalker’s caregiver or anyone else who might be able to assist them.
Sleepwalkers will often act in a manner akin to a fight or flight response. They might bump into objects or trip over their own feet. Be careful not to strike or punch them in the face, as they may have an overly aggressive response.
Waking a sleepwalker is no small feat. Though this isn’t as complicated as it may seem, you need to do it in the most effective way. By following the tips mentioned above, you can save yourself from a potentially painful and confusing situation.
