The Use of Sexsomnia as Criminal Defense - Research Paper Example

? Sex Insomnia During the early stages of marriage, couples indulge in sexual activities countless times. This may seem normal. It may sometimes involve midnight escapades when both are half-asleep making it even more pleasurably (Culebras, 2010). Imagine waking up in the morning, with one of the spouse having no memory recollection of what happened the previous night. We are familiar with a number of sleeping disorders such as somnambulism (sleep-walking), sleep-talking or even driving while sleeping. Sexsomnia is a NREM (non- rapid eye movement) disorder caused by confusional arousal results to sexual activities. In simple terms, sleep sex occurs when the mind is inactive, but the body is active. Most case studies reveal that sleep sex takes place during the first five stages of sleep known as deep sleep. Just like children experience nightmares triggered off by scary movies, an arousing dream or a slight touch from a partner in bed can trigger off sleep sex in an individual. The amygdale in the brainstem is the organ responsible for sexual drive. At this stage, the cortex is part of the brain responsible for thinking, planning and awareness (Michael, 2011). Sexsomaniacs especially women tend to masturbate and moan loudly while asleep while men engage in sex with their female partners. In extreme situations, victims can become aggressive and out of control resulting in sexual assault cases. In addition, sleep sex occurs mostly in individuals who have bed partners. Therefore, there is no need to walk and look for a partner. Individuals that suffer from sleep sex often have a history of other parasomnia disorders like sleep talking, sleep walking and teeth grinding. Recurrence of sexsomnia is unpredictable. Individuals who exhibit this disorder are partly conscious when it occurs. This is because part of the brain responsible for decision-making is at rest while the brain stem responsible for sexual desire remains active. The brain stem lies next to the sleep center, and once it detects a sexual impulse, it acts upon it. As a result, individuals who take part in sexual activities often do not recall the events preceding. There are cases where sexsomnia co-exist with other sleep disorders in an individual. A compelling example is of a woman who can sleep walk. Later she started having sex with strangers she met on the streets while sleepwalking. Other triggers of sleep sex include; lack of enough sleep, excessive consumption of alcohol and other narcotic drugs, stress, poor sleeping habits and tiredness (Michael, 2011). People who have epilepsy may experience seizures that trigger off sexual arousal. These seizures come inform of abdominal thrusts, eventually engaging in sexual acts. However, epileptic sufferers’ remember their sexual acts the next day. Genes and gender are also factors that contribute to sleep sex. Studies indicate that, sexsomnia affect more men than women. Over two thirds of reported sleep sex cases are men. Many people who suffer from sleep sex exhibit feelings of shame, denial and confusion Often victims of sexsomnia shy away from treatment and medical intervention. They do not realize the adverse psychological effects it can have on them (Joris, 2008). The earlier they seek for medical help the better. Victims lack self-esteem and are always under stress. Sleep sex exert in relationship lots of pressure and tension resulting to breakups. Individuals whose partner’s exhibit sleep sex tendencies often fail to understand the behavior. Those who suffer from the condition cannot open up and talk about it. Victims that fail to open up for fear of judgment and ridicule from people do not comprehend what they were undergoing. In worst case scenario, they end up convicted for rape (Joris, 2008). Some suffer from serious injuries around their genitalia due to rough sex and heavy groping while asleep. Cases of sexsomnia have been on the rise since the nineties. An excellent example could be of woman in her mid twenties, who in deep sleep, tore her clothes and masturbated in aggression. If disrupted by the boyfriend, she stops and then continues. She denied her boyfriend sexual intercourse, and never accepted doing such heinous acts. Another outstanding case involved a man giving his wife cunnilingus when he was asleep (Michael, 2011). There are other endless scenarios of men having sex with their spouses while sleeping. Most women described their men as "glassy-eyed" and dazed during this period, and they stopped what they did once awakened. Women also claimed that their male partners are more gentle and better in making love when asleep than awake. Lawyers claim their client’s innocence by arguing that they were asleep when they performed such deeds, therefore, not guilty. The use of sexsomnia as criminal defense has raised eyebrows on it validity. There are many controversies surrounding this matter. Moreover, what stop a man from committing rape, when he can turn up to court, claim total innocence and blame it on his sleep? A 30-year-old man got acquitted of sexually abusing a woman; he told the jurors that he had a history parasomnia, that he would wake up and punch his bedroom wall (Slovenko, 2009). Legislators need to be careful when dealing with rape cases associated with sexsomnia. This is vital, in order to protect civilians from unruly individuals. To prove whether a suspect is faking parasomnia or not, a machine known polysomnograph that measures various brain wave patterns while asleep is necessary(Plante, 2010). Sexsomnia is a treatable disorder. Treatment varies depending on the causes. Victims who suffer from sleep sex due epilepsy undergo anticonvulsant therapy. It involves the suppression of epilepsy, stopping sexsomnia. Doctors advise victims to enough rest and practice healthy sleeping habits. Those with partners sleep alone in locked rooms with no light and noise. Change in is also a vital aspect in this healing process. Victims advised to avoid intake of sex triggers like alcohol and drugs. Patients avoid additives like caffeine until they get well (Plante, 2010). Therapy and antidepressant are necessary for patients with underlying mental disorders like stress and depression. Therapy help patients in overcoming their fears and reducing stress level. In cases where doctors diagnose extreme level of sexsomnia, doctors prescribe sedatives. Drugs like CPAP given to patients suffering from sleep apnea that cause disruption during sleep leading to confessional arousal, which lead to sexsomnia (Joris, 2008). Therapy takes place in a sleep center. It is highly relevant that intensive study and research gets done on the matter, in order to come up with solid solutions to eradicate sexsomnia. Initiation of awareness campaigns will help those who suffer from it, to come in the open, and received treatment before it develops in advance stages (Culebras, 2010). The public should be educated on sexsomnia so that they do not judge and victimize those who suffer from it. Many people have a misguided notion that sexsomnia is a mental disorder and people who suffer belong in a mental institution. Such ignorance obscures the eradication of sexsomnia. It is easier to tackle this disorder once victims suffering from sleep sex turn up for treatment and receive moral family and friends. In conclusion, sexsomnia is a habitual disorder that affects both men and women. It is prevalent in illicit drug users and alcoholics. It co-exists with other sleeping disorders such as sleepwalking and sleep eating. Sufferers are always emotionally disturbed and try to fit in the society (Plante, 2010). Proper treatment can successfully terminate the condition. References Culebras, B. (2010). Case Studies in Sleep Neurology. London: Cambridge University Press. Joris C. Verster, S. R.-P. (2008). Sleep and Quality of Life in Clinical Medicine. New York: Humana Press. Michael J. Thorpy, G. P. (2011). The Parasomnias and Other Sleep-Related Movement Disorders. London: Cambridge University Press. Plante, D. T. (2010). Foundations of Psychiatric Sleep Medicine. London: Cambridge University Press. Slovenko, R. (2009). Law in psychiatry. Washington: CRC Press. Read More