Sexsomnia causes: Have you ever heard of people doing unusual things in their sleep, like walking, talking, or even eating? Now imagine a condition where someone engages in sexual activity while asleep. It’s real, and it’s called sexsomnia. It may sound strange or hard to believe, but it is recognised as a type of sleep disorder.
What is sleep sex?
Sexsomnia is a type of parasomnia, a category of sleep disorders where people perform unusual behaviours during sleep. In this condition, a person engages in sexual behaviours without being conscious or aware. These may include masturbation, sexual sounds, initiating sex with a partner, or, in rare cases, full intercourse. Most individuals have no memory of the event the next day. Importantly, the person is not awake and has no control over their actions.
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Is sex sleep similar to sex dream?
Not exactly. Sex dreams occur during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and are often remembered. Sexsomnia, on the other hand, happens in non-REM sleep, during deeper stages of rest, where other parasomnias like sleepwalking or night terrors also occur.
Causes of sleep sex:
Causes include sleep deprivation, stress and anxiety, alcohol or drug use and other sleep disorders like sleep apnea. Certain medications affecting the brain or family history of parasomnias can also trigger sleep sex.
Is sleep sex harmful?
Medically, sexsomnia itself isn’t harmful. However, it can cause significant emotional and relationship stress if a partner feels confused, unsafe, or uncomfortable. In rare cases, if sexual behaviours happen without consent, they may even lead to legal issues.
What if it happens with a partner?
If your partner shows signs of sexsomnia, the best approach is to remain calm and not panic. Bring it up when they are awake and alert, in a supportive and non-judgemental way. Many people feel embarrassed when they learn about it. The next step is to consult a doctor, who may refer them to a sleep specialist.
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Sexsomnia is a real medical condition where parts of the brain remain active during deep sleep, triggering sexual behaviours without awareness. While it may sound unusual, it’s important to understand, take seriously, and seek medical advice if it occurs regularly.
