Waking a sleepwalking child is dangerous

What the research found

Australian and UK health guidance agrees on the main advice: gently guide the child back to bed. The Royal Children's Hospital fact sheet says not to hold them down or try to wake them. Healthdirect says it is safest to guide them back without waking them.

The reason given is distress, not injury from waking. The NHS says a child woken suddenly will be confused and won't know what's happening. They may be scared, angry or upset. If you do need to wake them, the NHS says to do it gently.

The real risks come from the sleepwalking itself, such as tripping, bumping into things or wandering outside. A 2024 review calls sleepwalking generally benign but notes its potential severity. Healthdirect says it usually isn't harmful but can sometimes lead to injuries.

What it doesn’t mean

• This doesn't mean you should leave a child in danger. If they are near stairs, a door or something hazardous, step in calmly and guide them away.
• The best protection is a safe home: locked doors and windows, a clear bedroom and no top bunk. A regular sleep routine also helps.
• See a GP if sleepwalking is frequent, causes injuries, leaves your child very tired in the day, comes with loud snoring or gasping, or involves dangerous or violent episodes.