1. How might REM sleep deprivation studies be conducted?

REM sleep deprivation studies are conducted in a controlled laboratory setting. That is in a controlled environment where an EEG machine is used to detect and wake the subjects once they enter REM sleep phase.

2. What might be some of the problems encountered by researchers when trying to study sleep in a laboratory setting?

Since the subjects are not in their usual, natural setting, they may have an abnormal sleeping pattern. This new environment would make the subject never get REM sleep hence rendering the studies unproductive.

3. Are there any ethical concerns with deliberately disturbing people when they are sleeping?

Sleep is supposed to be natural and should not be induced or stopped in normal circumstances. Sleep deprivation can cause hallucinations and mental problems.

4. How might the fact that the participants in these studies volunteered to sleep and be awakened under such artificial conditions have affected their behavior?

First, the subject’s behavior was to some extent developed by the researcher by the sense that the latter had suggested to the former the probable results. Therefore, the subjects’ behavior was predetermined. Second, because of the unusual environment and sleep deprivation, the subjects might have experienced sleep disorders such as parasomnia.

Murderous Dreams

1. Should sleepwalking be a valid defense for a crime as serious as murder? What about other kinds of crime?

To answer this question, it is imperative first to define sleepwalking. According to Mayo Clinic, sleepwalking, also known as somnambulism, is characterized by walking (or other activity) while seemingly still asleep. Psychology Today says that sleepwalking is associated with a disorder of the mind. The fact that the suspects are asleep and unaware of their actions, and suffer from mental disorders during crimes including murder, substantiates the proposal that sleepwalking is a valid defense for crimes as serious as murder.

2. What kind of evidence should be required to convince a jury that a crime was committed while sleepwalking?

In my opinion, the kind of evidence that would convince a jury that a crime was committed while sleepwalking should involve professionals such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and lawyers. Psychologists should study if the suspect has any sleep disorder. Legal experts should investigate the circumstances under which the crime was committed, and if the criminal has any history of committing such crimes. If the findings of the experts show that the suspect is indeed a victim of sleepwalking, then he should be acquitted.