Sleeper Hold

A chokehold restraint used to subdue overactive, unruly, violent, or inebriated subjects, to prevent them from harming themselves or others. It acts by (1) reducing blood flow to the brain via the carotid arteries and blocking venous return via the jugulars, and (2) bilateral compression of the carotid baroreceptor, causing asystole or marked bradycardia, reduced blood pressure, and syncope; under controlled conditions, noncombative subjects lose consciousness within 6–15 seconds. The sleeper hold is safer than the air choke

Segen's Medical Dictionary. © 2012 Farlex, Inc. All rights reserved.