Can sleepwalking episodes cause injury?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Sleepwalking can cause injuries, and in some cases, these injuries can be life-threatening. Common risks include falls, bruises, cuts, and collisions with furniture, but more serious harm—such as fractures, head trauma, or accidents involving stairs, windows, or leaving the home—can also occur. Because sleepwalkers are unaware of their surroundings, they may not react to danger the way they would while awake.

If sleepwalking is happening to you or someone in your household, it's worth understanding the underlying cause. Sleepwalking can be triggered by stress, sleep deprivation, medications, or underlying medical conditions—and identifying the root issue is the first step toward preventing injury. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be going on and get clear guidance on your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

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Explanation

Sleepwalking episodes can indeed lead to injuries, sometimes severe. People who sleepwalk may not be aware of their surroundings, which can lead them to fall, bump into objects, or even leave the safety of their homes. This can result in bruises, cuts, and more serious injuries like fractures. In rare cases, sleepwalking can lead to life-threatening situations.

Potential Risks of Sleepwalking

Falls and Bumps: Sleepwalkers might trip over furniture or fall down stairs.
Leaving the Home: They might unknowingly wander outside, which can be dangerous.
Violence: Sometimes, sleepwalkers can unintentionally harm themselves or others, as described in the biopsychosocial model of violence during sleepwalking.

If you or someone you know experiences sleepwalking, it may be helpful to create a safe environment by clearing obstacles and securing doors and windows. For concerns about sleepwalking or related injuries, consulting a healthcare professional can provide more personalized advice. You can also use our free AI symptom checker to help identify potential underlying causes and determine if you need to seek medical attention.

(References)

Rauch PK, & Stern TA. (1986). Life-threatening injuries resulting from sleepwalking and .... Psychosomatics, 3952247.
Madigand-Tordjman MA, Egler PJ, Bertran F, Jokic M, & Guénolé F. (2017). [Life-threatening sleepwalking (Elpenor's syndrome) in a .... Archives de pediatrie : organe officiel de la Societe francaise de pediatrie, 28416429.
Stallman HM, & Bari A. (2017). A biopsychosocial model of violence when sleepwalking. BJPsych open, 28446961.

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