Create a new account

It's simple, and free.

Sleepwalking

In William ShakespeareÆs Macbeth, one description of Lady Macbeth reads as follows: ôYou see, her eyes are open, but their sense is shutö (Shakespeare 1066). Better known as sleepwalking, somnambulism affects approximately 15% of children and 10 percent of adults (Meara 32). Though sleepwalking is a condition that can affect individuals of any age, it is most common in occurrence in children between the ages of 6 to 12 and boys sleepwalk more often than girls (Meara 32). Despite the higher prevalence in sleepwalking in children than adults, when adults are affected by this type of sleep disorder they typically experience the disorder for the rest of their lives. For most children who sleepwalk, the disorder is related to sleep patterns. In adults, sleepwalking can be a serious disorder. New research has linked the sleep disorder to a specific gene, known as HLA (Lecendreux 114). Some defense attorneyÆs have mounted what is known as a ôsleepwalkingö defense, arguing that the crimes their clientÆs are accused of committing occurred while in a state of unconscious ôsleepwalking.ö This research will explain the sleep disorder known as somnambulism, including possible causes and remedies. New research on a genetic connection to sleepwalking and efforts to use sleepwalking as a legal defense will also be addressed.

As in ShakespeareÆs time, sleepwalking is not a fully understood disorder. Individuals who are affected by the disorder retain the brainÆs full capacity for decision-making. Sleepwalkers are able to perform all kinds of functions, just like when they are awake. Sleepwalkers are able to dress themselves, make something to eat, and go into the living room. They may then turn on a TV late show and sit down and eat their snack while watching the program. However, despite the appearance of consciousness, the sleepwalker remains totally unaware he has dressed, is eating a snack he prepared, or watching tele...

Page 1 of 7 Next >

More on Sleepwalking...

Loading...
APA     MLA     Chicago
Sleepwalking. (1969, December 31). In LotsofEssays.com. Retrieved 12:37, March 28, 2024, from https://www.lotsofessays.com/viewpaper/1710526.html