Confusional arousals are sudden partial arousals from slow wave sleep (SWS) resulting in complex behaviors but the sleeper does not leave the bed. They are similar to sleepwalking. The person is disoriented and confused during the event and has no memory of events upon awakening.
Violent behaviors which occur after confusional arousals appear to be associated with, maybe even triggered by, provocation or the proximity of another person. Examples of provocation might include being disturbed by a sudden noise or attempted awakening by another person while the sleeper is having a violent dream.
Potential forensic implications:
- assault
- attempted murder
- murder
- sexual assault
Case studies:
- Fain v. Commonwealth (1879, Kentucky) – convicted and reversed on appeal
- Bradley v. State (1925, Texas) – acquitted
- Tibbs v. Commonwealth (1910, Kentucky) – convicted and reversed on appeal
- R. v. Borshears (1960, England) – acquitted