Sexsomnia: Sex in Sleep or Sexual Sleepwalking

sexual) is an atypical and complex sleep disorder, characterized by the implementation of sexual behaviors, without awareness or intention, during the night rest. Episodes of this phenomenon originate in deep sleep (non-REM phase), so they occur unconsciously, although actions and verbalizations may seem goal-oriented or semi-intentional.

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The exact causes of sexsomnia have yet to be identified, but sleep deprivation, repeated nocturnal awakenings, and poor night sleep hygiene have been found to increase the likelihood of these episodes occurring.

Other factors that increase the chances of having sexsomnia include:

• Marked anxiety and psychological stress;
• Some drugs with a sedative effect;
• Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages;
• Uncomfortable environmental conditions (noisy, too hot or cold bedroom);
• Other concomitant parasomnias, such as sleepwalking.

of an erotic nature, pelvic thrusts, masturbation and other types of approaches (eg imitation or attempting to have intercourse, caressing or practicing foreplay with a bed partner). These behaviors can be directed at someone else (a partner or individual in the immediate vicinity) and, in some cases, episodes of sexsomnia have been reported as harmful and aggressive.

A person dealing with sexsomnia will go back to sleep after the episode and will have total amnesia upon awakening.