Sexsomnia, a parasomnia that is characterized by sexual activity, is a condition that many around the world struggle with. If you have sexsomnia, you may have engaged in unconscious sexual acts, ranging from masturbation to complete sexual intercourse with another person—all while you’re asleep. It can be a problematic sleep disorder to live with, but fortunately, we've compiled some research to help you understand sexsomnia, whether you or a loved one deal with this condition.
Even though sexsomnia is incredibly rare, with only 94 cases recorded worldwide as of 2015, it is also essential to understand the symptoms, the risk factors, and the triggers. We’ll dive deep into sexsomnia, who is most affected, and what the triggers and risk factors are for this disorder. We’ll also lightly touch upon how to cope with this condition so you can enjoy more restful nights and less concern over what may happen while you’re asleep.
Understanding Sexsomnia: Exploring the Sleep Disorder
Sexsomnia does not arise out of nowhere but happens to be connected to a few other essential sleep disorders. For instance, did you know that nearly half of all sexsomnia patients had a history of sleepwalking and night terrors? It's true: if you have a history of regular sleepwalking or persistent night terrors, you may also experience sexsomnia (Source: Sleep).
Most patients who have been diagnosed with sexsomnia are male patients, indicating that this condition might be more likely among men. However, it's important to note that there are still so many critical research studies in the field on this topic, so this may change. Yet, the triggers, risk factors, and how to cope and treat sexsomnia have become more apparent over time, as based on some interesting research studies that we found.
What are the Triggers of Sexsomnia?
Surprisingly, some of the most common triggers for sexsomnia are other sleep disorders that you may already present symptoms of or be diagnosed with. According to one case report, other sleep disorders were seen as common triggers for those who would later experience sexsomnia episodes. One of the most prevalent sleep disorders that is associated with sexsomnia may shock you: sleep apnea.
Researchers hypothesize that sleep apnea, because of the obstructive nature of the condition and what it does to one’s breathing, can actually trigger a sexsomnia episode. Insomnia is also another common trigger for sexsomnia due to the challenges in getting adequate sleep and how this impacts the brain. Yet, it’s not just sleep disorders that are triggers for sexsomnia.
Anxiety and irritability can also be triggers, as found with one woman who struggled with unconscious orgasms. Another man in a study from NeuroQuantology presented similar symptoms, showing that anxiety and irritability could very well be primary triggers for sexsomnia. Even certain medications you take can actually trigger sexsomnia.
So, it’s clear that sleep disorders and potentially even mental disorders have an impact on whether or not you experience sexsomnia. There are also risk factors that we’ve yet to discuss that play an instrumental role in your potential risk of developing sexsomnia in the future.
Risk Factors for Sexsomnia
While sexsomnia is not a condition that is readily and widely diagnosed amongst the general population, there are some risk factors you should be aware of. Whether you’re young, middle-aged, or even entering your later years, here are the most common risk factors for sexsomnia:
Gender
If you are a man, you’re up to three times more likely to experience sexsomnia as compared to women. Men may also be more aggressive with their actions as opposed to women, who have been observed as typically engaging in self-pleasure instead.
History of Sleep Disturbances
While you may think this only concerns sleep disorders, several diagnoses, including heartburn, sleep apnea, and even restless leg syndrome, have been associated with an increased risk of developing sexsomnia. However, sleep talking and walking are also risk factors.
Other Conditions
If you have a history of epilepsy, head injuries, or even Crohn’s disease, you may be more likely to develop sexsomnia. For those who experience regular migraines, you may also be more likely to develop sexsomnia. These can all increase your potential for sexsomnia.
How to Cope with Sexsomnia
Due to how rare sexsomnia is—as it only happens in less than 8% of the population—there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Because of the fact that this condition often occurs in tandem with other sleep and mental disorders, many treatment plans or coping measures have to account for multiple symptoms. If you deal with sleep apnea, for example, you might want to consider a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine to eliminate a potential trigger.
If you are taking medication and feel that is what has been the primary trigger, then it might be worth having a conversation with your doctor to see what would work best for your situation. You can also take medications for specific triggers and risk factors, including anxiety and stress. Other than these methods, there are not many options. However, due to the nature of the field, more information and new insights are always going to be released to help everyone who struggles with this condition so that they can sleep peacefully and without concern.
Improve Your Sleep Health by Mitigating Conditions like Sexsomnia
By understanding more about sexsomnia and how it works, we can all take steps to improve our health, ensure we get adequate rest, and promote positive health habits. If you find yourself struggling with this condition, don’t fret! With the insights presented, you have a better idea of what you might be dealing with and how to get help.
As always, don’t be afraid to reach out to your doctor or a medical professional in your area if you feel that you might have this condition. The best thing you can do is to get to the root of your specific concerns so that no matter what challenges you may face now, you’ll ensure better sleep in the future and fewer unpleasant sleep disturbances that limit your quality of life.