Sexsomnia is a complex, atypical, and underreported parasomnia that is characterized by sexual behavior during sleep.
Once awake, a person generally has no recollection of the event that occurred.
Sexsomnia has led to clinical, interpersonal, and even legal consequences for those dealing with it.
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Discover how this condition affects individuals and how it can be diagnosed and treated.
What Are Parasomnias?
Parasomniasare sleep disorders that are characterized by abnormal behaviors or events during sleep.
Parasomnias can happen at anystage during sleep.
Usually, the individual can recall their dream and their behavior.
On the other hand, sexsomnia occurs during non-REM sleep.
Other non-REM parasomnias includesleepwalking, sleep-related driving, andsleep-related eating disorders.
Signs and Symptoms of Sexsomnia
Sexsomnia presents differently from case to case.
A person dealing with sexsomnia will fall back asleep after an event and have total amnesia when they wake.
Sexsomnia can also have psycho-social consequences like shame, guilt, and depression.
Causes
The exact causes of sexsomnia are yet to be identified.
Sexsomnia is less commonly described and reported, which could be a factor contributing to its mystery.
Sexsomnia could also be an idiopathic parasomnia that arises spontaneously without any specified neurological dispositions.
Behavior is closely watched and recorded.
Also, clear descriptions of sleep behaviors from bed partners are helpful in diagnosis.
As sexsomnia is associated with other sleep disorders, addressing the underlying cause can lead to substantial improvement.
Consultation with medico-legal experts who are skilled in testifying in sleep forensic cases may also be helpful.
The legal defense of sexsomnia can be difficult.
Safety precautions are highly recommended, especially if you have been prone to sleep-related behaviors previously.
This parasomnia can have serious impacts on the person dealing with the condition and others around them.
Addressing these underlying conditions has been shown to help reduce episodes of sexsomnia.
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Khawaja IS, Hurwitz TD, Schenck CH.
“Sleep-Related Abnormal Sexual Behaviors (Sexsomnia) Successfully Treated With a Mandibular Advancement unit: A Case Report.
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