What happens when we sleep? 

Parasomnia is a sleep disorder that causes people to do strange or even dangerous things while they're asleep. In some shocking criminal cases, people have committed murders or sexually motivated crimes whilst asleep, arguing they acted involuntarily and without awareness.

In this episode, Tim and Xanthe are joined by USYD sociolegal scholar and lecturer Christopher Rudge to discuss the parasomnia defense. Does it hold weight? Can people who kill in their sleep be considered murderers? 

What happens when we sleep?&nbsp;
Parasomnia is a sleep disorder that causes people to do strange or even dangerous things while they're asleep. In some shocking criminal cases, people have committed murders or sexually motivated crimes whilst asleep, arguing they acted involuntarily and without awareness.
In this episode, Tim and Xanthe are joined by USYD sociolegal scholar and lecturer Christopher Rudge to discuss the parasomnia defense. Does it hold weight? Can people who kill in their sleep be considered murderers?&nbsp;

Motive & Method is an expert-led Australian true crime podcast. Join Dr Xanthe Mallett and criminal psychologist Tim Watson-Munro as they unpack what really makes the offenders behind some of history’s most notorious cases tick, and also react and unpack crimes as they hit the headlines. You will also hear from victim survivors, investigators and advocates for change analysing motive, and method.

Motive &amp; Method is an expert-led Australian true crime podcast. Join Dr Xanthe Mallett and criminal psychologist Tim Watson-Munro as they unpack what really makes the offenders behind some of history’s most notorious cases tick, and also react and unpack crimes as they hit the headlines. You will also hear from victim survivors, investigators and advocates for change analysing motive, and method.

Motive & Method

Can people really commit crime whilst asleep?

Catch up on one of our most-listened episodes in 2025. Forensic investigator Gordon Drage lifted the lid on Australia’s most horrific serial killings - the infamous Snowtown ‘bodies in the barrels' case. 26 years on, he still remembers every detail of the day they made the gruesome discovery in that bank vault. Now retired, Drage is a passionate advocate for mental health support within emergency services, sharing his powerful insights on the profound impact such cases have on those who serve.

Catch up on one of our most-listened episodes in 2025. Forensic investigator Gordon Drage lifted the lid on Australia&rsquo;s most horrific serial killings - the infamous Snowtown &lsquo;bodies in the barrels' case. 26 years on, he still remembers every detail of the day they made the gruesome discovery in that bank vault. Now retired, Drage is a passionate advocate for mental health support within emergency services, sharing his powerful insights on the profound impact such cases have on those who serve.

REPLAY: 2025 Fan Favourite - Inside Snowtown with Gordon Drage

In this special holiday episode, Tim & Xanthe step away from the dark and disturbing and turn to some of the more unusual crime stories of the year - the bizarre, brazen and baffling! They’re putting each other to the test, in a series of games, to examine the stranger side of human behaviour.

In this special holiday episode, Tim &amp; Xanthe step away from the dark and disturbing and turn to some of the more unusual crime stories of the year - the bizarre, brazen and baffling! They&rsquo;re putting each other to the test, in a series of games, to examine the stranger side of human behaviour.

HOLIDAY SPECIAL: Bizarre, Brazen & Baffling Cases of 2025

If you're a new listener or haven't heard this episode, this is Xanthe's 2025 "must listen" episode from February. 
While many think human trafficking it’s a distant issue, it’s happening closer than we realise - in neighborhoods, cities, and countries around the world, including Australia. In this episode, Tim and Xanthe speak to Matt Friedman - a leading, internationally renowned global expert on modern slavery and human trafficking. From forced labor to exploitation and coercion, Matt uncovers the dark reality of modern slavery and what we can do to fight it.

If you're a new listener or haven't heard this episode, this is Xanthe's 2025 "must listen" episode from February.&nbsp; While many think human trafficking it&rsquo;s a distant issue, it&rsquo;s happening closer than we realise - in neighborhoods, cities, and countries around the world, including Australia.&nbsp;In this episode, Tim and Xanthe speak to Matt Friedman - a leading, internationally renowned global expert on modern slavery and human trafficking. From forced labor to exploitation and coercion, Matt uncovers the dark reality of modern slavery and what we can do to fight it.

Can people really commit crime whilst asleep?

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