Sexsomnia, also referred to as sleep sex or sleep-related abnormal sexual behavior, is a relatively rare and complex sleep disorder. It involves engaging in sexual activities while asleep, without conscious awareness. It is classified as parasomnia and falls within a broader category of sleep disorders characterized by abnormal behaviors or experiences during sleep.
What is Sexsomnia?
Sexsomnia is a unique sleep disorder where individuals engage in sexual behaviors while asleep, typically during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep stages. These behaviors can range from sexual touching, fondling, or masturbation to full sexual intercourse. Importantly, these actions occur without the person’s conscious knowledge or memory. Both males and females can experience sexsomnia, and it is not limited to any specific age group.
What are the symptoms of Sexsomnia?
The primary symptom of sexsomnia is the occurrence of sexual behaviors during sleep that are as real as when the person is awake. It is crucial to differentiate sexsomnia from conscious decisions to engage in sexual activities while awake, as the key characteristic of sexsomnia is the absence of conscious awareness during the episodes.
Why does Sexsomnia happen?
The precise cause of sexsomnia remains unclear, but several factors have been associated with its occurrence. Sleep deprivation, irregular sleep schedules, stress, alcohol consumption, and certain medications are commonly linked to an increased likelihood of experiencing sexsomnia episodes.
Additionally, individuals with other sleep disorders, such as sleepwalking or sleep apnea, may be at a higher risk of developing sexsomnia. While these factors can contribute to sexsomnia, still studies are going to understand the mechanism on a deeper level.
How can we diagnose the condition?
If you suspect Sexsomnia, it is crucial to consult with a medical professional specializing in sleep disorders. A comprehensive medical evaluation will be conducted to rule out other potential causes and assess the frequency and severity of the episodes.
There are a few tools like polysomnography that can help in monitoring brain activity, muscle movements, and other physiological indicators during sleep. Moreover, detailed discussions about sleep patterns, symptoms, and medical history will aid in reaching a diagnosis. Mostly it is noticed by the partner or other people in the house and is brought to the notice of the patient.
What are the treatment options for Sexsomnia?
Sexsomnia and other sexual problems have treatment options available. The treatment approach for sexsomnia depends on various factors, including the severity of symptoms and their impact on an individual’s quality of life. Treatment options may include:
● Sleep Hygiene: Establishing a regular sleep schedule, creating a sleep-conducive environment, and practicing good sleep hygiene habits can help minimize the occurrence of sexsomnia episodes. Maintaining a consistent sleep routine and ensuring a relaxing sleep environment can contribute to overall sleep quality.
● Medications: In some cases, medications may be prescribed to manage sleep disturbances and reduce the frequency of sexsomnia episodes.
● Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or other psychotherapeutic interventions may be beneficial in addressing underlying factors contributing to sexsomnia. Therapy can help individuals develop coping mechanisms, manage stress, and address any psychological factors that may exacerbate the disorder. It can also assist in dealing with any emotional distress resulting from sexsomnia and improve overall sleep patterns.
● Partner Education and Communication: Open and honest communication with a partner is crucial in managing sexsomnia. Educating the partner about the disorder and its symptoms and reassuring them that the episodes are involuntary can help reduce any distress or confusion they may experience. Developing strategies to ensure the safety and well-being of both partners during sexsomnia episodes is vital.
● Safety Measures: Given the potential risks associated with sexsomnia, implementing safety measures is essential. This may include ensuring that the sleep environment is free of potentially dangerous objects, securing windows and doors to prevent sleepwalking episodes, and discussing safety strategies with the partner to minimize the risk of injury during sexsomnia episodes.
● Seeking Professional Help and Support: Living with sexsomnia can be challenging, and seeking professional help and support is essential.
Bottom Line
Sexsomnia is a complex sleep disorder characterized by engaging in sexual behaviors during sleep without conscious awareness. Understanding the symptoms, potential causes, and available treatment options is crucial for individuals affected by sexsomnia to seek appropriate medical evaluation and support. With the implementation of proper sleep hygiene practices, therapeutic interventions, and open communication with partners, individuals living with sexsomnia can work towards a better quality of life and restful sleep. Sexologists in Mohali can assist in developing personalized treatment plans and strategies to manage sexsomnia effectively.
