Sleepwalking and Crime

Sleepwalking and Crime happens, but rarely. Once in their lifetime, almost ten percent of the people suffer from sleepwalking. Sleepwalking is distinct in frequency and intensity. Mostly, incidents regarding sleepwalking are of very short duration. A sleepwalking incident involves less danger. But, many times self injury is noticed. Thus, sleep walking can be harmful to the one who is walking. This disease often begins in preadolescent age and may progress up to adulthood. Earlier, experts believed it to be an extended dream. Now, they have found it to be a great combination of various factors. The combination includes psychological and physiological factors, in addition to interference of harmful chemical substances like drugs and alcohol. The younger ones suffering from sleepwalking do indulge in crimes unknowingly. It is amazing, but if a person
commits a crime while sleepwalking, he may get the benefit of doubt. It is not necessary that sleepwalking and crime go together, since it is a rare combination.
   
There are various instances of sleepwalking and crime. For instance, a boy murdered his father, while he was sleepwalking. The court released the boy, as he was not in a normal condition. Later, he was hospitalized, as he was released on the base of insanity. There is also a similar case of a husband murdering his wife brutally, but he was released on the base of sleepwalking. Apart from these cases, there are also cases where the murderer has not been released. For instance, a husband murdered his wife and claimed that he did so because of sleepwalking. But, he was punished for his offence. Later investigations revealed that his wife’s murder was preplanned. Thus, sleepwalking also involves certain serious crime.

Did you know that sleepwalking occurring in the later part of life is more harmful? The person has more chances to continue with this disorder for his entire life. In adults, the major cause of sleepwalking is stress, alcohol and abuse. Fatigue is also one of the major causes of sleepwalking. When a person gets tired badly after a long stressful day, he might enter a state of deep sleep. This deep sleep is responsible for sleepwalking. Thus, if you want to prevent all these dangers, avoid use of drugs, alcohol, and lead a healthy and tension free life. People find the topic of sleepwalking and crime quite fascinating. However, it is one of the most dangerous forms among several disorders.