Sleepwalking

Sleepwalking, or somnambulism, is a behavior disorder that originates during deep sleep. It is a disorder of arousal from sleep that may be brought on by a sudden noise or an internal issue like restless legs syndrome, or it can follow sleep terrors. Once the person�s feet hit the floor and they begin walking, it is categorized as sleepwalking.

Similar to what happens confusional arousal, a sleepwalker is neither fully asleep nor fully awake but somewhere in between. People can perform incredibly complex and occasionally violent acts while they�re sleepwalking, yet sleepwalkers are not conscious of their actions and do not usually recall the episodes.

Potential forensic implications:

  • assault
  • child molestation
  • DUI
  • fall risk
  • industrial accidents
  • mistaken suicide
  • motor vehicle accidents
  • murder
  • rape
  • sexual assault
  • sleep eating
  • sleep driving
  • sleep-related violence
  • sleep sex

Case studies: