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Warning-sign checks

Sleepwalking: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services if the person is in immediate danger, has severe bleeding, has serious breathing difficulty, does not recover normal awareness after the event, or has prolonged or repeated seizure-like activity.

    Do not put anything in their mouth during a suspected seizure.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent medical help if an episode causes a significant injury, such as a deep wound, suspected broken bone, or head injury.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine medical appointment if sleepwalking:

    • Begins for the first time in adulthood
    • Happens often or is becoming more frequent
    • Causes daytime tiredness or regularly disrupts the household
    • Includes leaving the home or handling dangerous objects
    • Has caused a minor injury or repeated near misses
    • Occurs with loud snoring, choking, gasping, or breathing pauses
    • Began after starting or changing a medicine
    • Includes unusual repeated movements that could be seizures

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Sleepwalking. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.