Waking a sleepwalker should be done as gently as possible to avoid such responses. It is difficult to wake a person who is sleepwalking, and many sleep experts recommend gently guiding the person back to bed instead. Sleepwalkers most likely will not remember the incident in the morning.
Why should you not wake a sleep walker?
When startled, the sleepwalker will act out in a manner like a fight or flight response. They may lash out or fall, which could injure them or the person waking them. According to Wright, it is best to gently encourage or lead a sleepwalker back to bed and let them get on with their night's rest.
Is it dangerous to wake up a sleepwalker?
It is not dangerous to wake up a patient form sleepwalking, but experts who discourage it quote it is unsuccessful and leads to patient disorientation,” he says. “Try to ease them back to bed without making forceful attempts. ... Other factors can cause sleepwalking such as sleep apnea and periodic limb movement disorders.