The disorder is classified as a parasomnia which refers to abnormal events that occur during sleep transitions, during sleep, or when waking up from sleep. It has been estimated that up to 8% of adults may be affected by this condition at some point in their lives. While it's generally considered rare, it's still possible for anyone who experiences regular bouts of insomnia to develop sexsomnia due to physical exhaustion or psychological stress.
There are several potential causes for sexsomnia including lack of quality sleep, excessive alcohol consumption, certain medications such as antidepressants and antipsychotics, medical conditions like restless leg syndrome or narcolepsy, brain damage caused by head trauma, stroke or neurological disease, hormonal imbalances, genetics, and more.
Sexsomnia can take various forms depending on the individual's unique biology and circumstances. Some people may engage in non-penetrative sexual activity while others may participate in penetrative acts such as masturbation or even intercourse. In extreme cases, individuals have reported orgies taking place while they were unconscious. Other symptoms include nightmares about having sex or experiencing an erection or arousal throughout the day without any actual sexual desires present.
Diagnosis typically involves ruling out other potential explanations for the behavior before determining if it meets the criteria for sexsomnia. A doctor will ask questions about one's history with sex, sleeping habits, medications taken regularly, and recent life events to determine whether there is a correlation between these factors and the occurrence of sexsomnia. They might also order imaging studies to check for underlying medical issues that could be causing or exacerbating the condition.
Treatment options depend on what is causing the disorder but generally involve addressing the underlying problem first. For example, someone suffering from insomnia would need help improving their sleep schedule through lifestyle changes or therapy while those taking certain drugs would need to adjust their dosage accordingly. In some cases, cognitive behavioral therapy has been found effective in reducing stress levels which may alleviate sexsomnia symptoms.
It's important to remember that sexsomnia is not considered a sign of mental illness; rather it's seen as an unusual bodily reaction caused by abnormal brain function during sleep cycles. The key takeaway here is that anyone who experiences frequent bouts of insomnia should seek help from their doctor before self-diagnosing themselves with this rare condition.