What should you do if a client falls asleep during their massage?

Author: Mrs. Arlene Terry  |  Last update: Tuesday, November 4, 2025

Maintain the Flow of Your Massage It's tempting to stop and check on your client when they drift off, but interrupting the flow can disrupt the relaxation you've worked so hard to create. Keep the pace steady and natural. A sleeping client will generally stay relaxed and comfortable without needing adjustments.

What if you fall asleep during a massage?

Yes, falling asleep during a massage is perfectly fine and even a sign that you are fully relaxed. Massage therapy helps reduce stress, ease muscle tension, and promote deep relaxation, which can naturally make you sleepy. Therapists are used to it and will continue the session without interruption.

What to do if your therapist falls asleep during a session?

If she fell asleep in session, I would gently try to wake her to be sure she was physically ok. If she was, I would then leave, asking her to rest for the balance of my session. I would ask that she text me when she got home to know she had arrived safely. I would see her at my next appointment.

Can a massage therapist sleep with a client?

There's more to that than you think. The code of ethics for a massage therapist absolutely forbids having a sexual relationship with a client. Below is the relevant section of the Code of Ethics (CoE) from Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP).

Do massage therapists like when you fall asleep?

Falling asleep is not only a compliment, but it is one of those things that bring gratification to a massage therapist. It is an indication of trust, relaxation and good techniques coming together to create wellness. There have been times, I have clients snoring and sometimes they wake up and apologize.

Tips for Easy Head and Scalp Massage at Home (my model fell asleep!)

Is it OK to hug your massage therapist?

A hug with your therapist may be beneficial if it is non-sexual and provides comfort. Hugging is not forbidden, according to the different therapist ethics codes. However, some clients, such as those who have experienced sexual abuse, may be uncomfortable with a hug.

What not to do during a massage?

Here are some examples of what you, as the client, should never do! :
  • Don't joke if this is a “happy ending" massage or make any sexual comments. ...
  • Don't get sexually excited, it's inappropriate. ...
  • Don't break wind. ...
  • Avoid talking too much. ...
  • Don't use your phone. ...
  • Don't be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

How common is it for therapists to sleep with clients?

Extensive research has led to recognition of the extensive harm that therapist-client sex can produce. Nevertheless, research suggests that perpetrators account for about 4.4% of therapists (7% of male therapists; 1.5% of female therapists) when data from national studies are pooled.

What is considered inappropriate during a massage?

A massage therapist should never touch the genital area of the client. This is either sexual abuse or prostitution. In most parts of the U.S., massage of the breast is off limits. In the few states where it is legal, there must be written consent by the client.

What is the 2 year rule in therapy?

Thus, the Ethics Code includes an absolute prohibition against sex with former clients for a period of two years following termination. The next part of the 2-year rule provides an opportunity for some judgments to be made by therapists.

What to do when a client cries in therapy?

The clinical implications of the study are clear: Therapists, when faced with a crying client, should slow down, explore the crying experience more fully, and avoid quickly moving past the tears.

Should I see a therapist if I can't sleep?

Seeing a Psychologist about Sleep Disorders

Seeing a psychologist may also help you address sleep problems. Psychologists can help people change their behaviors and manage the thoughts, feelings and emotions that can interfere with a healthy night's sleep.

Are therapists allowed to hang out with patients?

Standard A. 6. e., Nonprofessional Interactions or Relationships (Other Than Sexual or Romantic Interactions or Relationships) of the ACA Code of Ethics states: “Counselors avoid entering into nonprofessional relationships with former clients …

What happens if you fall asleep on a massage chair?

Lack of motion can tighten your muscles and joints, causing tension and stiffness. Besides body pains, sleeping on your massage chair overnight can cause breathing problems.

Where do you massage to avoid sleep?

You can give yourself a jolt of energy by lightly massaging select pressure points on your body. Key areas include: the back of your neck, between your thumb and index finger, behind your knees and just below the balls of your feet.

Is it okay to shave before a massage?

Hair or stubble does not negatively impact a massage therapist's ability to provide effective treatment.

Is it disrespectful to fall asleep during a massage?

Massage therapists understand that their clients may fall asleep during a session and do not consider it rude at all. In fact, they often see it as a compliment that their techniques are so effective in inducing relaxation.

What body parts should not be massaged?

These are areas of the body where deep, sustained pressure should be avoided because of the structures that lie beneath. Those areas are the anterior and posterior triangles of the neck, suprasternal notch, sternum, axilla, spinal column, umbilical area, inguinal triangle, popliteal fossa, and the antecubital fossa.

When should you not massage a client?

Inflammation from injury or infection. Acute medical conditions such as recent injuries, treatments or surgical procedures. Certain medications can be a contraindication for massage or require special precautions. Under the influence of alcohol or drugs, especially if sensation or cognition are affected.

Which clients do therapists like the most?

Clients who are committed to growth: Therapists love working with clients who are committed to personal growth and development. These clients come into therapy with a clear sense of what they want to achieve and are willing to put in the effort required to reach their goals.

Is it unethical to sleep with a client?

The short answer is that all “sexual relations” with clients are forbidden under Rule 1.8(j), unless a consensual relationship existed between the attorney and the client when the attorney-client relationship commenced.

What are the signs that your therapist is developing feelings for you?

Signs of therapist attraction to a client
  • Increased emotional intensity: The therapist may show heightened emotional responses during sessions, such as increased empathy or sympathy.
  • Changing the session: The therapist might start making the session longer or reducing the fee for that client only.

What are red flags in massage therapy?

One of the first red flags in a massage session is a lack of communication. If the therapist doesn't take the time to ask about your pain points or preferences before starting, that's a sign of trouble.

What are off limits during a massage?

Professional boundaries in massage therapy are crucial for creating a respectful environment. Any form of non-consensual physical contact is strictly prohibited, including sexual advances or inappropriate touching.

What can go wrong during a massage?

Disc herniation, soft tissue trauma, neurologic compromise, spinal cord injury, dissection of the vertebral arteries, and others were the main complications of massage. Spinal manipulation in massage has repeatedly been associated with serious AEs especially. Clearly, massage therapies are not totally devoid of risks.

Previous article
Is not exercising bad for Mental Health?
Next article
How do you stop hair follicles from getting inflamed?