Sexsomnia is a rare sleep disorder that causes people to have sex while they are asleep. People who suffer from this condition may feel embarrassed or ashamed because it can be difficult for them to control their actions during an episode. Sexsomnia has been studied since the late 19th century when doctors began reporting cases of patients who experienced unusual behavior during REM sleep, including masturbation and sexual assault. While some people report having lucid dreams about sex, others describe having no recollection of the event. There are different types of sexsomnia: dream-related, dreamless, or automatic. Dream-related episodes occur when someone has vivid sexual fantasies during REM sleep but does not remember waking up to perform the act. Dreamless episodes involve moving into a partner's bed without being conscious of doing so, and these can cause relationship problems if there are safety concerns. Automatic episodes include masturbating or engaging in other behaviors related to arousal, such as humping pillows or furniture. Treatment options for sexsomnia include medications like clonazepam, which can help regulate brain activity, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. However, most people with sexsomnia do not require treatment. The incidence of sexsomnia is unknown, but studies suggest that it affects approximately 0.5% of adults at some point in their lives. It is more common among young adults, and men are affected slightly more than women.
What are the symptoms of sexsomnia? How is it diagnosed? What treatments are available? Are there any risk factors associated with this disorder? Can it impact relationships? These questions will be answered below in detail.
Sexsomnia Symptoms & Diagnosis
The main symptom of sexsomnia is the occurrence of sexual behavior while asleep. This may include masturbation, intercourse, kissing, caressing, touching another person's body, or even vocalizations like moaning or grunting. People who experience sexsomnia usually have no memory of the episode upon awakening. They also report feeling confused or ashamed about what happened during the event. In addition to sexual behavior, some individuals may exhibit other sleepwalking behaviors such as leaving the bedroom or acting out other activities like eating or cleaning.
Diagnosing sexsomnia requires a medical evaluation by a trained professional. A physical examination can rule out other conditions that might cause similar symptoms, such as restless leg syndrome or obstructive sleep apnea. A sleep study may also be necessary to determine whether the individual has REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), which causes similar symptoms but does not involve sexual activity. RBD is caused by a lack of dopamine in the brain, whereas sexsomnia is believed to be related to changes in neurotransmitter levels.
Treatment for Sexsomnia
There is no specific treatment for sexsomnia, but medications like clonazepam may help regulate brain activity and reduce episodes. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can also be effective in managing symptoms. This approach involves identifying triggers that lead to sexual behavior while asleep and learning strategies to prevent them from happening again. For example, people with sexsomnia may benefit from setting up an alarm clock near their bed to wake themselves up if they start having a dream-related episode.
Risk Factors for Sexsomnia
Sexsomnia is more common among young adults and men. However, anyone can experience this condition. There are no known risk factors associated with sexsomnia, although it may run in families. It is important to note that this disorder should not be confused with paraphilias, which are recurrent, intense, and distressing sexual urges that cause significant impairment in daily life. Paraphilias require psychological intervention and may involve criminal behaviors.
Impact on Relationships & Conclusion
People who experience sexsomnia may feel embarrassed or ashamed about their condition, which can impact their relationships. They may avoid intimacy or be reluctant to share information about their sleep habits with partners. In some cases, sexsomnia can lead to relationship problems if there are safety concerns. For instance, someone might have unprotected sex during an automatic episode without realizing it. Overall, sexsomnia is a rare condition that affects less than 1% of the population. While it can be challenging to manage, most people do not require treatment. If you think you may be experiencing sexsomnia, talk to your doctor about getting evaluated by a sleep specialist.