What is sexsomnia and do you have it?

On an average, healthy people spend almost 33 percent of their lifetime sleeping. Sleep is one of the most essential activities of a human body and is vital in healing and restoring the body. However, in a world full of stress, disturbances and work tensions, it is almost impossible for a vast majority of people to get proper sleep. On the other hand, sleep is a fascinating subject in the science world, not the least of which is due to the countless and sometimes mysterious things our bodies do. Many of us, having slept side by side with other human beings at some point in our lives, are familiar with somatic acts like snoring and talking in full sentences.

Therefore, we often ask ourselves fundamental abstract questions and try to get at the heart of a matter. When does sexsomnia occur? It’s considered to be an abnormal behavior related to getting involved in sex while asleep. Nevertheless, a wide range of symptoms of this type of parasomnia have not been adequately explained. The first case was confirmed and described in the late twentieth century, in 1986, to be more exact, so the condition seems to be new. To tell the truth, only a hundred cases of sex while sleeping have been reported all over the world.

We would like to emphasize that any sexual actions except arousal, for example, are not included in sexual dreams, so they are not the criteria for the sexsomnia diagnosis, because it’s made on the basis of different signs. Unfortunately, the condition has been just classified, so standard diagnostic procedures are in the process of developing.

A psychiatrist may diagnose it by reviewing a video-polysomnography and analyzing breathing and heart rate. Furthermore, recent studies have figured out that sleepwalking sex episodes take place during the dreamless phase of deep sleep, which causes non-rapid eye movements. All types of parasomnia are caused by malfunctions in the brain.

Some individuals feel embarrassed to realize they have done things they don’t remember doing, especially when it comes to sexual behavior. Also, this condition calls into question the delicate issue of consent, because of technically unconsciousness of the sleeping person initiating intimacy, unless it’s a sensation his or her partner is actively seeking during sex.

Some types of behavior could be harmless. For others, although it sounds funny, it could grow out to become a bigger medical problem. The most controversial acts performed are those of a sexual nature, when the individual attempts to involve an unwitting co-sleeper. Moreover, they remain unconscious throughout these acts, and they cannot remember them the following morning.

What should you do if you have sexsomnia? While it sounds like intriguing activity in your bedroom, in reality, the sexsomniac is likely to experience shame and guilt, along with anxiety. You might need to take a good look at your daily life, stress level, sleep habits and any medications you’re taking. Luckily, this condition is manageable.