Buzz
Waking someone up can sometimes be quite challenging, especially if they are heavy sleepers. You might consider using indirect methods, particularly when there’s no valid reason to wake them (such as it being time for work). Alternatively, you could try more direct approaches, or if you’re brave enough and don’t mind upsetting them, you could play a prank on them. On the other hand, if someone is sleepwalking, it’s best to guide them back to bed and avoid waking them if possible.
Steps
Using Direct Methods
Say "Hello!" in a loud voice. This straightforward and simple method is the most commonly used. You need to speak loudly enough that almost anyone hearing it would wake up, and the greeting lets them know it’s time to get up without needing to say much.
- If they respond with a grunt, keep talking. It’s a sign they’re awake but not ready to get up yet. Remind them of the day’s plans and use breakfast or a cup of coffee to lure them out of bed.
- You can also gently tap their shoulder to wake them.
Let the phone ring in the room. Turn the phone volume to the maximum. Place the phone in their room and use another phone to call your number. If you place the phone far enough from the bed, they’ll have to get up to find out where the noise is coming from.
- Alternatively, you can set an alarm.
Turn on the TV with loud volume. If there’s a TV in their room, turn it on and select their favorite program, then increase the volume. You could also choose a cartoon channel that might be annoying. Regardless, the light and noise from the TV will wake them up.
- Don’t turn the volume up so high that it becomes unbearable for you. Just set it loud enough to make it difficult for them to continue sleeping.
Use their pet to wake them up. Dogs and cats are effective tools for waking someone up. If the pet tends to bark or climb on its owner, let it into the room and let it do the rest.
- If the pet doesn’t enter the room on its own, use its favorite toy or treat to lure it in. You can even encourage the pet to climb onto its owner using toys or food!
Pull their blanket off. If they’re still sleeping soundly, grab the edge of the blanket near their head and lift it off. This forces them to face the cool air of the day!
Note: This is a classic technique for a reason: the sudden change in temperature (and unexpected loss of warmth) will wake them up.
Give them a massage. If you’re looking for a friendlier way to wake someone up, try massaging them! Gently rub their scalp, neck, or back. While a massage is relaxing, your touch will still rouse them from sleep.
Using Indirect Methods
Let light flood the room. Open the curtains or blinds wide to let natural light pour in. However, if the room has no windows or it’s still dark outside, turn on bedside lamps and other lights in the room.
Light signals the body to wake up, so allowing light to shine on a sleeping person can help activate their brain.
Use enticing food aromas to grab their attention. Make sure the door is open, then head straight to the kitchen. Cook some bacon or bake pastries. Coffee also releases an irresistible fragrance. Often, the smell of delicious food is enough to wake someone up and lure them out of bed.
- If you’re short on time, use the microwave! Heat up some bacon or reheat pre-cooked food.
- If the aroma spreading through the house isn’t enough, bring breakfast to their bedside. Not only will you wake them up, but they’ll also appreciate you for preparing their morning meal.
Place the alarm clock far from the bed. If they can simply roll over and hit the snooze button, they’ll stay in bed. By placing the clock out of reach (even if it’s a phone), they’ll have to get up to turn it off, making it harder to fall back asleep.
Tip: Alternatively, if they haven’t set an alarm, place a clock by their bed and set it. They might assume they set it themselves and forgot to turn it off.
Adjust the temperature. If you have time, change the room temperature to wake them up. For example, turn on a fan at high speed or set the air conditioner to a very cold setting. Alternatively, you could turn on a heater and blow warm air toward them. Temperature changes take time but often make them uncomfortable enough to wake up.
- Using heating or cooling systems might make you slightly uncomfortable too.
- You could also open a window if it’s extremely hot or cold outside.
Make noise in the room. Enter the room where they’re sleeping and create some noise. Be careful not to be too loud, or you might startle and anger them. Simply make subtle sounds, like picking something up from a table and putting it down.
- You could also open the door as if “checking on them” and then close it.
Create noise in other parts of the house. Clang pots and pans in the kitchen, or slam doors. Turn on the TV in the next room. Surrounding noises will eventually wake the sleeper.
- Another option is to run water in a nearby bathroom or have a conversation outside their door.
Play a Prank
Create a loud noise with the intention of waking them up. Enter the room and bang a metal or wooden spoon against a pot, or clang two objects together, like two pot lids. Choose a noise loud enough to wake them. This technique is highly effective if it catches them by surprise.
- If you have a musical instrument, like a drum or trumpet, play it right where they’re sleeping. You could also whistle loudly.
Play music. Another option is to play their favorite upbeat song. Blast the song at high volume in their room or the room next door. They’ll jump out of bed in no time!
- You can use headphones, but keep the volume moderate to avoid damaging their hearing.
Grab their feet and pull them out of bed. Of course, you shouldn’t hurt them, and you don’t need to pull them all the way out. Just the act of pulling might wake them, especially if you’ve already removed their blanket.
- It’s best to grip their ankles or calves to avoid causing any harm.
Pretend there’s an earthquake. Shake the bed vigorously while shouting, “Wake up, there’s an earthquake!” By the time they realize there’s no earthquake, they’ll already be wide awake.
- You can also shake the mattress they’re lying on instead of the entire bed.
Place cold water on the sleeping person. The most effective way to wake someone up is by placing cold water on their face. Pour some water into an ice cup, then transfer the cold water into another cup. Placing the cold cup on their face or chest will have an immediate effect, but be prepared for their anger!
- Have a towel ready to help them calm down!
Waking Up a Sleepwalker
Recognize a sleepwalker. A sleepwalker often has a dazed expression on their face. You won’t be able to grab their attention, and they might wander around in the dark. If you encounter someone in this state, they’re likely sleepwalking.
Usually, they’re trying to complete a task, such as rummaging through drawers as if searching for something.
Guide them back to bed. The best solution is to lead them back to bed. Gently steer them in the right direction and ensure they get into bed safely. They’ll almost certainly go back to sleep.
- Use your hands to gently turn them in the right direction.
You should only wake a sleepwalker if they’re attempting something dangerous. During sleepwalking, some people might cook, tear curtains, or even attempt to drive. While waking a sleepwalker isn’t easy, it’s necessary if they’re engaging in activities that could harm themselves or others.
- Since sleepwalkers are often in a deep sleep, waking them can be challenging. Try calling their name loudly or gently shaking their shoulders. If that doesn’t work, create a loud noise or spray a little water on their face. Be aware, they’ll likely feel disoriented and may react angrily upon waking.
Warnings
- Before using any method mentioned in this article, try to imagine how the person might feel upon being awakened. Be prepared to handle their anger or irritability.
