🧠 The Mysterious World of Sleepwalking: When the Body Acts but the Mind Sleeps
Introduction
Imagine waking up one morning to learn you drove your car, visited someone’s home, and committed a crime — all while you were asleep. Sounds impossible? In 1987, a Canadian man named Kenneth Parks shocked the world when he did exactly that. He drove 22 kilometers in the middle of the night, murdered his mother-in-law, and severely injured his father-in-law — all while allegedly sleepwalking.
This bizarre case forced scientists and courts to ask one chilling question: Can someone commit a crime while asleep — and not be responsible for it?
The Real-Life Story: The Case of Kenneth Parks
It all began on the night of May 24, 1987, in Canada.
Kenneth Parks, a 23-year-old man burdened by gambling debts and unemployment, fell asleep on his couch after watching TV. Hours later, he unconsciously rose, drove to his in-laws’ house, and committed a violent act. Covered in blood and confusion, he then walked into a police station and said, “I think I’ve killed someone.”
Doctors later found deep cuts on his hands — yet he felt no pain. During trial, his lawyers made an unbelievable claim: Kenneth was sleepwalking. He had no intent, no awareness — just unconscious motor activity. After medical evaluations, the court accepted his defense. Kenneth Parks was acquitted, setting a global precedent for sleepwalking as a potential defense in criminal law.
But how could something so extreme happen during sleep?
What Exactly Is Sleepwalking?
Sleepwalking, or somnambulism, is a neurological sleep disorder that occurs during deep NREM (Non-Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, specifically Stage 3 — the deepest phase of sleep.
During this phase, the body can move, walk, and even perform complex tasks while the conscious brain remains asleep. Sleepwalkers may have their eyes open and appear awake, but they’re not fully aware of their surroundings. Their motor control centers (brainstem and cerebellum) are active, while the frontal cortex — responsible for judgment and decision-making — is offline.
That’s why some sleepwalkers can paint, cook, or even drive, yet remember nothing afterward.
How the Sleep Cycle Works
Human sleep rotates through stages — N1, N2, N3 (deep sleep), and REM — in cycles lasting about 90 to 110 minutes each.
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N1: Light sleep, where you can be easily awakened.
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N2: Moderate sleep — your body relaxes, and external awareness fades.
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N3: Deep sleep — when sleepwalking usually occurs.
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REM: The dream phase, when the brain becomes more active.
Most sleepwalking episodes occur during the first half of the night, when deep sleep (N3) is longest.
Fascinating Cases: From Artists to Athletes
Sleepwalking is not always violent. In some cases, it’s strangely creative or harmless.
🎨 Lee Hadwin, a British-Australian artist, could only paint while sleepwalking. As a teenager, he created stunning portraits — yet couldn’t replicate them while awake.
🍳 Another case in Scotland involved Robert Wood, who frequently cooked entire meals in his sleep — earning him the nickname “The Sleepwalking Chef.”
🏏 Even Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar once admitted to sleepwalking during his early career. His roommate Sourav Ganguly recalled seeing him pacing the room and sitting down mid-sleep.
These examples reveal that the human brain can perform complex motor actions unconsciously, proving how sophisticated — and mysterious — our neural systems really are.
What Causes Sleepwalking?
Sleepwalking isn’t caused by ghosts or supernatural forces, as myths suggest — it’s a neurological phenomenon triggered by incomplete awakening of the brain.
Key factors include:
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Genetics: If one parent sleepwalks, there’s a 47% chance their child will too. If both do, the chance rises to 61%. Scientists have identified a possible link on chromosome 20q12-13.12.
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Sleep deprivation: Lack of rest increases the likelihood of episodes.
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Stress and anxiety: Emotional distress can disrupt deep sleep.
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Medical conditions: Disorders like sleep apnea often worsen sleepwalking.
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Certain medications: Sedatives and antidepressants may trigger episodes.
In short — it’s part genetic, part environmental, and often preventable.
The Science Behind It
During N3 sleep, some areas of the brain “wake up” prematurely — especially motor regions — while the conscious parts stay “asleep.”
This mismatch allows a person to move but not think or remember.
Studies also show that sleepwalkers have unusual activity in the autonomic nervous system: the “rest and digest” branch (parasympathetic) stays overactive, while the “fight or flight” branch (sympathetic) remains suppressed — the opposite of what scientists once believed.
Recent findings even suggest that frequent adult sleepwalking could signal neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s or dementia — a warning sign doctors are now investigating seriously.
Legal Implications: Crime Without Intent
Sleepwalking poses one of the toughest questions in criminal law — can someone commit a crime without mens rea (a guilty mind)?
In Kenneth Parks’ case, the court ruled that since he was unconscious, there was no intent — and he was acquitted. However, not all courts agree.
In another famous case, Scott Falater of Arizona claimed he killed his wife while sleepwalking — but the jury convicted him, citing evidence that his actions seemed too deliberate.
In India too, courts have occasionally recognized genuine sleepwalking under “unsoundness of mind,” potentially exempting defendants from full criminal liability. Yet, proving such a defense remains extremely difficult — requiring neurological proof and expert testimony.
Safety and Prevention
Because sleepwalkers are unaware of their surroundings, they face real danger — from falls, burns, accidents, or even wandering outdoors.
Safety measures include:
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Locking doors and windows before bed
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Removing sharp or hazardous objects
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Using alarms or motion sensors
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Maintaining regular sleep schedules
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Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and stress before sleep
For children, sleepwalking is often temporary and resolves with age, but adult episodes demand medical evaluation.
Final Thoughts
Sleepwalking sits at the crossroads of science, law, and mystery. It reveals how our brains can separate consciousness from motion — turning humans into “sleeping machines” capable of astonishing or terrifying acts.
Kenneth Parks’ case remains a reminder that sleepwalking isn’t fiction — it’s a neurological reality with life-altering consequences.
Understanding it requires not superstition, but science, empathy, and awareness.
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