Sexsomnia: This rare sleep disorder has embarrassing and troubling consequences

TW: Mentions of sexual assault

You have probably heard of sleepwalking, sleep talking and even sleep driving as common disorders associated with sleep. But this particular condition can be embarrassing and could even land you in hot waters...

What is sexsomnia?

Also known as sleep sex, sexsomnia is a rare sleep disorder in which people engage in sexual activities while they are sleeping. It is a type of parasomnia, which is when the brain is caught between sleep stages, making you act like you are awake while you’re sleeping.

Sexsomnia is different from sex dreams, which is common among teenagers. People with this disorder tend to perform varied sexual acts in their sleep, sometimes with other people.

Symptoms of sexsomnia include:

• Fondling or engaging in foreplay with co-sleeper
• Display of sexual vocalizations like moaning
• Masturbation
• Sexual intercourse/ attempted sexual intercourse
• Spontaneous orgasms

Often, people with this condition can have their eyes open and act awake while performing any of these activities, but will have zero recollection of events when they wake up. They may be more assertive in their acts than they normally are when conscious.

Like other forms of parasomnia, sleep sex can be a result of sleep deprivation, anxiety, drinking alcohol, fatigue and certain medications.

Read more:Why you need to know about enthusiastic consent

Sexsomnia is more dangerous that you'd think

Sexsomnia is considered a rare form of parasomnia, which affects more men than women. In many instances, it can simply be an embarrassing occurrence. Given that sexual intercourse requires consent from both parties, those suffering from this disorder could also get in trouble for sexual assault, even if it was unintentional.

And because people with this disorder remain unconscious throughout these acts, and they cannot remember them the following morning, violent sexual acts committed during sleep remain deeply challenging when brought to court.

Read more:

⋙ King Charles and Queen Camilla don't sleep in the same bed for this specific reason

⋙ This position will give you the best night's sleep, according to NASA

How to prevent sexsomnia?

To avoid the embarrassment and possibility of committing a sexual crime, you should have the disorder diagnosed and treated as soon as you are made aware of it. Treatment is often quite successful and include:

• Dealing with the underlying sleep condition such as sleep apnoea and sleep deprivation.
• Changing medications that may trigger this type of parasomnia
• Getting medication for other underlying conditions like anxiety

However, if you feel like your partner is not being truthful about having the disorder or if they refuse to get diagnosed, please consider pressing charges for sexual assault.

Read more:

⋙ This is the worst sleeping position, according to an expert

⋙ Sleep: Here's how overthinking prevents you from falling asleep at night

Sources:

clevelandclinic.org: Is Sexsomnia real?