diff --git a/arch/xtensa/src/esp32/esp32_idle.c b/arch/xtensa/src/esp32/esp32_idle.c
index 7dd4350087f..ca0d1495781 100644
--- a/arch/xtensa/src/esp32/esp32_idle.c
+++ b/arch/xtensa/src/esp32/esp32_idle.c
@@ -152,6 +152,12 @@ static void up_idlepm(void)
 
           pm_relax(PM_IDLE_DOMAIN, PM_NORMAL);
         }
+
+#ifdef CONFIG_WATCHDOG
+      /* Announce the power management state change to feed watchdog */
+
+      pm_changestate(PM_IDLE_DOMAIN, PM_NORMAL);
+#endif
     }
 }
 #else