Stuff You Should Know SYSK Selects: How Sleepwalking Works
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Aug 24, 2019 Dive into the whimsical world of sleepwalking! Explore historical cases, like a murder trial defended by sleepwalking claims. Discover the science behind this bizarre behavior and the humorous side of sleep disorders, with tales of sleep eating and even sleep emailing. Enjoy amusing anecdotes, including one about a man waking up in quicksand. It’s a journey through the night that balances both the quirky and the serious, revealing the fascinating intricacies of our sleep habits.
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The Terrell Case
- In 1845, Albert Terrell murdered his girlfriend, Maria Ann Bickford, in Weymouth, Massachusetts.
- He claimed sleepwalking as his defense and was acquitted despite evidence of arson.
Sleepwalking Defense
- Sleepwalking, or somnambulism, is a sleep disorder where individuals perform actions while asleep.
- A recent case in Illinois saw an acquittal based on a sleepwalking defense, highlighting the condition's complexity.
Somnambulism
- Sleepwalking, clinically termed somnambulism, is classified as a parasomnia in the DSM-IV.
- It's an arousal disorder involving leaving bed while asleep, difficulty waking, amnesia, and potential life impairment.