necromancer sleep while in melee with servitor?

I was told since day 1 that a necromancer sleep spell couldn't hit someone already in melee. Posting on bug board in case this is by design and some secret Scion cabal perk. A Nightwalker stands in the shadows, breathing heavily. The Nightwalker yells 'Daomen! Now you die!' You dodge the Nightwalker's claw. The Nightwalker is in perfect health. <46%hp 25%m 57%mv 6476tnl (42.18%)> ret w You begin planning a retreat. The Nightwalker is in perfect health. <46%hp 25%m 57%mv 6476tnl (42.18%)> Ghavoul has arrived. A flesh golem has arrived. The Nightwalker is in perfect health. <46%hp 25%m 57%mv 6476tnl (42.18%)> The Nightwalker's claw mauls you. The Nightwalker dodges your smash. The Nightwalker is in perfect health. <43%hp 25%m 57%mv 6476tnl (42.18%)> You yell 'Die, Ghavoul, you sorcerous dog!' Ghavoul utters the words, 'grzzs'. A wave of fatigue overwhelms you with the beckoning temptation of sleep. The Nightwalker is in perfect health. <43%hp 25%m 57%mv 6476tnl (42.18%)> You can't see anything, you're sleeping! <43%hp 25%m 56%mv 6476tnl (42.18%)> You yell 'Help someone is attacking me!