UK Woman With Rare Disorder Blew Over $3,000 By 'Sleep Shopping'

Parasomnias, a category of sleep disorders characterised by abnormal movements, actions, emotions, perceptions, and dreams, cause significant challenges for those affected. While these conditions are frequently associated with children, they may appear at any age, leading to an array of undesired and even fatal consequences. One such rare instance is Kelly Knipes, a 42-year-old British woman whose sleep-induced buying sprees have caused her financial distress as well as severe mental frustration.

The Financial and Emotional Toll

Knipes, a  British resident, experienced an odd and distressing manifestation of parasomnia. She accrued debts of more than 3,000 pounds (roughly Rs 3.2 lakh) as a result of sleep-shopping sessions in recent years. Her midnight escapades have led her to purchase an array of unnecessary and bizarre items, including a full-sized plastic basketball court complete with a net, pole, and backboard, as well as paint tins, children's playhouses, and hundreds of Haribo candy.

Knipes’ condition has not only strained her finances but also placed her at risk of falling victim to scams. In a particularly troubling incident, she unwittingly provided her personal financial information to scammers while asleep, resulting in the unauthorised withdrawal of $317 from her bank account. Thankfully, her bank managed to block further fraudulent transactions.

Coping Mechanisms and Challenges

In an effort to manage her condition, Knipes now uses a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, designed to keep her airways open during sleep. While the device has provided some relief, it also introduces new complications. The CPAP machine tends to lock her jaw, leading her to remove it unconsciously during the night.

Understanding Parasomnias

Parasomnias occur when the brain is only partially awake, causing individuals to engage in activities without full awareness. According to Yale Medicine, people with parasomnias might appear alert and engage in complex behaviours such as walking, talking, or eating while still being asleep. These activities typically happen during the non-REM sleep stages, which occur in the first few hours of the night. During REM sleep, which occurs later in the sleep cycle, the body experiences a natural paralysis that prevents such behaviours.

Dr. Alex Bartle, founder of the New Zealand-wide Sleep Well Clinic, highlights that parasomnias are more prevalent in the early stages of sleep. He explains, “They tend to happen in the first part of the night when you’re in your non-REM sleep. When you’re in REM sleep at the end of the night, you’re paralysed, so you’re not going to be able to do all these things.”

While parasomnias are more common in children, their occurrence in adults like Knipes highlights the need for continued research and better therapeutic strategies.