Blame It On The Zzz’s
T-POST® #49
Sleepwalking, night terrors, teeth grinding, restless leg syndrome — nothing too out of the ordinary about these sleeping disorders, right? Chances are, you probably even know a few regular folks who have experienced at least one them. But sleep sex? Sexomnia? Come again?
Sleep sex is a rare form of parasomnia whereby individuals have no conscious awareness of their sexual activities, and when wakened, have no recollection of it. Bummer.
The thought of performing sexual acts in one’s sleep is somewhat amusing, maybe even downright comical, but for those who suffer from the disorder, it’s a real nightmare.
According to Newsweek, “When Jan Luedecke of Toronto was arrested and tried for sexual assault, he had an unusual defense — he did it in his sleep. On the night in question, he'd been drinking at a party and found himself sacked out on the couch with a woman he'd met there. Hours later, she jolted him awake and demanded to know what he was doing. Luedecke claimed he was unaware he was having sex with her.”
To the outrage of women’s organizations, Luedecke was acquitted.
When Jan Luedecke of Toronto was arrested and tried for sexual assault, he had an unusual defense - he did it in his sleep.
His winning defense: Under the law, if there’s no intent to commit a crime, you haven’t committed a crime.
While sexsomnia appears to be a legit disorder recognized by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, one cannot help but imagine what other disorders are likely to start popping up in the near future. We can already see the pharmaceutical advertisements trying to sell us their patented prescription.
“Do you suffer from sleep strangling? How about abandoned newborn syndrome? Are you like millions of others who commit terrorist acts in their sleep? Don’t go to jail. Go to your doctor instead.”
Someone please pinch us.
Words: Chad Rea
Design: Diane Barcelowsky
