diff --git a/tui_gateway/session_notifications.py b/tui_gateway/session_notifications.py
index 22e504a7ae..e6d8d5de31 100644
--- a/tui_gateway/session_notifications.py
+++ b/tui_gateway/session_notifications.py
@@ -189,12 +189,8 @@ def _notif_slash_loop_tick(rid: str, sid: str, session: dict, mgr, wakeup: str)
             if not _notif_claim_turn(session):
                 mgr.abandon_tick()
                 return
-            try:
-                _emit("message.start", sid)
-                _run_prompt_submit(rid, sid, session, payload["message"])
-            except Exception:
-                _notif_release_turn(session)  # the swallow below would otherwise leave the session busy for good
-                raise
+            # Releases the claim on failure: the swallow below would otherwise leave the session busy for good.
+            _notif_submit(rid, sid, session, payload["message"], "loop wakeup send failed")
             return
     except Exception:
         pass