What is sexsomnia? Learn about its signs, reasons and how to treat.

Sex is often thought of as an enjoyable and intimate act, but for some individuals, it can cause distress not only for themselves but also for those around them. Many of us have experienced waking up from a racy dream, feeling hot and bothered. This is known as a nocturnal emission and is a common occurrence. However, there is a less common condition called sexsomnia, where individuals engage in sexual behaviors while being completely asleep.

Also referred to as sleep sex or sexual behavior in sleep, sexsomnia is considered a parasomnia, similar to sleepwalking or sleep talking. While there have been no large-scale studies on the frequency of sexsomnia, it is believed to be more common in individuals with other sleep disorders. In fact, a study conducted by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that almost 8% of their patients reported initiating or engaging in sexual activity with a bed partner while asleep.

Recently, sexsomnia has been making headlines after it was revealed that it has been used as a defense in 80 criminal trials for rape or sexual abuse over the last 30 years. According to sleep expert Dr. Neil Stanley, this is being done in a cynical manner. He claims that some individuals are using sexsomnia as an excuse, even though they are well aware of their actions.

One of the main challenges with sexsomnia is that the individual has no awareness or memory of their behavior while in this state of "automatism." This can make it difficult to determine whether they intentionally committed a crime. However, genuine cases of sexsomnia can be differentiated from fake claims by looking at the individual's history of sleep problems, their behavior during the incident, and through lab tests.

Symptoms of sexsomnia include engaging in sexual behaviors such as masturbation, sexual movements, sexual aggression, or even initiating sex with another person while asleep, falling asleep, or waking up. While their eyes may be open and they may make noises that suggest they are conscious, they are not in control of their actions and have no recollection of what occurred when they wake up.

It may seem like individuals with sexsomnia are acting out their dreams, but this condition typically occurs when the brain is not in a dream state. Dr. Carlos Schenck, a sleep expert, explains that sexsomnia often happens during the deepest stage of sleep, known as delta sleep. This is when the body is activated, but the mind is still deeply asleep, leading to potentially dangerous situations.

In addition to the sexual behaviors, signs that someone is experiencing a sexual parasomnia include being unresponsive or minimally responsive to conversation or the environment, unusual sexual responses or aggression, difficulty being woken up, and no memory of their behavior once they are awake. Trauma to the genitals, such as abrasions, may also occur.

The exact cause of sexsomnia is unknown, but research suggests that it is most common in men and can be triggered by issues like heartburn, restless leg syndrome, and sleep apnea. Other sleep disorders and conditions like narcolepsy, sleep-related dissociative disorders, chronic insomnia, and nocturnal psychotic disorders are also considered to be associated risk factors. Additionally, environmental and lifestyle factors, such as stress, anxiety, depression, alcohol and substance use, and sleep deprivation, can also trigger sexsomnia.

If you believe you may have sexsomnia, it is essential to speak to your doctor. Diagnosis may involve a recorded sleep study or video-polysomnography to better understand your condition and any underlying causes. You may also be referred for further testing, such as an extended electroencephalogram, to assess for seizures.

Treatment for sexsomnia will depend on the underlying cause. This may include medication, such as benzodiazepines, or using a continuous positive airway pressure machine if sleep apnea is a contributing factor. Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding drugs and alcohol, may also be recommended. In some cases, therapy or counseling may be beneficial in managing the mental health effects of sexsomnia.

If you have a story to share about your experience with sexsomnia, please reach out to us. We understand that this condition can be distressing for both the individual and their loved ones, and we are here to provide support and raise awareness.

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