النواحي الطبية الشرعية لاضطرابات النوم" "FORENSIC ASPECTS OF SLEEP DISORDERS.

 "FORENSIC ASPECTS OF SLEEP DISORDERS.

Ahmad Eid Abd Al-Rahman Abbas Al-Ajhuri        

                                                "Normal human sleep is comprised of two distinct states known as non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. NREM sleep is subdivided into four stages (stage 1, stage 2, stage 3, and stage 4). Stages 3 and 4 are collectively referred to as slow-wave sleep (SWS). REM sleep may be further subdivided into two stages: phasic and tonic. The NREM–REM sleep cycle occurs about every 90 min and approximately four to six cycles occur per major sleep episode. The early cycles are dominated by SWS and the later cycles are dominated by REM sleep. The first episode of REM sleep may last only a few minutes and subsequent REM episodes progressively lengthen in duration during the course of the major sleep period. In summary, SWS is prominent in the first third of the night and REM sleep is prominent in the last third of the night.

The classification of sleep disorders is necessary to discrimination between disorders and to facilitate an understanding of symptoms, etiology, pathophysiology, and treatment. In addition, it improves communication between physicians.

After reviewing the literatures in sleep medicine, esp in the last five years, forensic aspects of sleep disorders can be categorized into five areas: 1- Driving motor vehicles. 2- Sleep-related violence. 3- Sexsomnia. 4- Sudden infant death syndrome. 5- Other still under investigated issues."