diff --git a/packages/SystemUI/src/com/android/systemui/doze/DozeService.java b/packages/SystemUI/src/com/android/systemui/doze/DozeService.java
index b07e99379abb6..6cc890b06f184 100644
--- a/packages/SystemUI/src/com/android/systemui/doze/DozeService.java
+++ b/packages/SystemUI/src/com/android/systemui/doze/DozeService.java
@@ -199,8 +199,8 @@ public class DozeService extends DreamService {
                     if (mPulsing && mDreaming) {
                         mPulsing = false;
                         turnDisplayOff();
-                        mWakeLock.release();
                     }
+                    mWakeLock.release(); // needs to be unconditional to balance acquire
                 }
             });
         }