Gina Johnson
Sexsomnia, also known as sleep sex, is a rare sleep disorder in which a person engages in sexual activity during their sleep. The person affected usually has no recollection of the events during the act or when they wake up. Sexsomnia can occur alongside other sleep disorders such as sleepwalking, sleep apnoea, night terrors, and bedwetting. It can also be triggered by stress, anxiety, depression, alcohol consumption, substance abuse, and sleep deprivation. Somnophilia, on the other hand, is a paraphilia in which an individual becomes sexually aroused by someone who is asleep or unconscious. Studies have shown that somnophilic fantasies are more common than previously thought, with some participants reporting an interest in consensual sexual activities with a sleeping partner, while others expressed interest in non-consensual somnophilic activities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of Disorder | Sexsomnia, Sleep Sex |
| Type of Disorder | Parasomnia |
| Symptoms | Sexual behaviours such as masturbation, fondling, pelvic thrusting, sexual intercourse, spontaneous orgasm, etc. |
| Awareness | Person is unaware of their behaviour and has no recollection of events during the act or after waking up. |
| Appearance | Person's eyes may be open and they may make sexual noises, but they are asleep. |
| Prevalence | Rare, but actual value is probably higher as some may be embarrassed to seek help. |
| Treatment | Treatments include medication (e.g. clonazepam), improving sleep quality, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, improving sleep hygiene, and addressing underlying health conditions and sleep disorders. |
| Related Disorders | Sleepwalking, sleep apnoea, night terrors, bedwetting, sleep talking, sleep eating, bruxism, etc. |
| Related Conditions | Epilepsy, head injuries, migraines, Crohn's disease, colitis, restless leg syndrome, heartburn, etc. |
| Triggers | Stress, anxiety, depression, alcohol, substance use, sleep deprivation, etc. |
| Legal Implications | Accusations of sexual assault and rape, but has been used as a legal defence in some cases. |
| Fantasies | 22.6% of men and 10.8% of women have fantasized about "sexually abusing a person who is drunk, asleep, or unconscious." |
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What You'll Learn
Somnophilia
People with somnophilia may not wish to cause harm or use force, but they receive sexual arousal and orgasm by intruding on and touching or fondling a sleeping or unconscious person. If these urges are acted on as part of a consensual fantasy, this can be safe, enjoyable, and legal. However, somnophilia rises to the level of diagnosis when it causes "significant impairment", specifically when the individual performs the sex act without the consent of their partner.
Several studies have explored the prevalence of somnophilic fantasies. A 2015 study with 1516 participants found that 22.6% of men and 10.8% of women had fantasised about "sexually abusing a person who is drunk, asleep, or unconscious". Another study by Michael Seto reported that 9% of participants had an interest in "sex with someone who is unconscious or sleeping", and 7.7% had engaged in such behaviour. Furthermore, 82% of participants had an interest in consensual sexual activities with a sleeping partner, while 47% reported some interest in non-consensual somnophilic activities. These studies suggest that somnophilic fantasies may be more common than previously thought, although possible sample biases have been identified.
It is important to distinguish somnophilia from sexsomnia, a rare sleep disorder in which a person engages in sexual activity during their sleep. Individuals with sexsomnia typically have no recollection of their actions during the act or upon waking up. Sexsomnia can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, or depression in those diagnosed and may result in legal accusations of sexual assault. However, it has also been successfully used as a legal defence in some cases.
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Sexsomnia (sleep sex)
Sexsomnia, also known as sleep sex, is a rare sleep disorder in which a person engages in sexual activity during sleep. Behaviors during an episode may include fondling, masturbation, sexual intercourse, pelvic thrusting, and spontaneous orgasm. Although the person is asleep, it can appear to others that they are awake, with an open-eyed, vacant look.
Sexsomnia is a type of sleep disorder known as a parasomnia, which occurs during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, between deep, dreamless sleep and wakefulness. While it may seem like people are acting out dreams, many parasomnias occur when the brain is not in a dream state. During rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, the body becomes paralyzed, preventing people from acting out their dreams and hurting themselves.
The symptoms of sexsomnia vary depending on the person, but the underlying feature of this parasomnia is that a sleeping person exhibits sexual behaviors that they are unaware of and unable to control. In rare cases, people with sexsomnia may have no memory of their actions, which can be scary and confusing for both the person with the condition and their partner. Shame is a common factor among people with sexsomnia, and a diagnosis can lead to feelings of guilt or depression. However, it's important to remember that sexsomnia is often treatable, and medical professionals are equipped to help.
Sexsomnia can occur alongside other sleep disorders such as sleepwalking, sleep apnea, night terrors, and bedwetting. It may be triggered by various factors, including stress, anxiety, depression, alcohol consumption, substance use, and sleep deprivation. Improving sleep quality and addressing underlying health conditions can help reduce the incidence of sexsomnia episodes.
If you suspect you may have sexsomnia, speaking to a medical professional is the first step in diagnosis and treatment. A sleep study at a sleep clinic or a recorded sleep study at home may be recommended to observe and accurately diagnose sexsomnia. Treatment options may include medication, such as clonazepam, or lifestyle changes, depending on the underlying cause of the parasomnia.
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Consent
The concept of consent is centred on active, voluntary, and mutual agreement between partners. When one partner is asleep, they cannot actively or voluntarily agree to sexual activity, nor can they communicate their desires or set boundaries. Therefore, in the context of sexsomnia, consent becomes a challenging and ambiguous issue.
The implications of sexsomnia on consent are far-reaching. Firstly, the sleeping individual may engage in sexual activities that they would not have consented to while awake. This breach of consent can lead to feelings of violation, distress, and confusion for the person experiencing sexsomnia. They may struggle to reconcile their conscious self with their unconscious behaviours, leading to shame and guilt.
Secondly, the partner of someone with sexsomnia may experience a range of emotions, from fear to enjoyment. They may feel violated if the sexual activity is non-consensual or unexpected. Conversely, in some cases, partners may consent to sexual activity with their sleeping partner. However, this raises ethical concerns, as the sleeping individual cannot provide consent, and their sexualisation while vulnerable may be viewed as exploitative.
Additionally, the legal implications of sexsomnia are significant. In some cases, individuals with sexsomnia have been accused of sexual assault and rape. However, sexsomnia has also been used as a legal defence, highlighting the complexity of consent in these situations. The diagnosis of sexsomnia can be a mitigating factor, but it does not absolve individuals of responsibility, especially if their actions cause harm to others.
To address these complex consent issues, education and treatment are essential. Raising awareness about sleep stages and the nature of sexsomnia can help reduce stigma and encourage individuals to seek help. Treatment options include medication, addressing underlying health conditions, and improving sleep hygiene. By prioritising consent and seeking professional support, individuals can navigate the challenges posed by sexsomnia and ensure the well-being of all parties involved.
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Treatment
Somnophilia is a paraphilia in which an individual becomes sexually aroused by someone who is asleep or unconscious. It is often categorised as a predatory paraphilia. The term was coined by John Money in 1986, who characterised it as a type of sexual fetishism.
Physicians have attempted to treat somnophilia with psychotherapy and medications used for pedophilia.
Sexsomnia, on the other hand, is a rare sleep disorder in which a person engages in sexual activity during their sleep. It is also known as sleep sex. People with sexsomnia tend to have no recollection of events during the act or when they wake up. It can be scary and confusing for the person with sexsomnia to learn that they have been carrying out behaviours outside of their conscious control.
Benzodiazepine (such as clonazepam) is commonly prescribed to treat sexsomnia. Sexsomnia associated with other sleep disorders is usually relieved by treating the underlying problem, such as using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine or a mandibular advancement device for obstructive sleep apnea. Cases of sexsomnia caused by seizures respond well to anticonvulsant therapy.
Counselling, both for the person with sexsomnia and any others who are affected, can help with the emotional toll this disorder can pose. As sexsomnia treatment may not be immediately effective, it is crucial to take safety precautions. This may include improving sleep hygiene by following a sleep schedule, winding down at the end of the day, and keeping a consistent bedtime routine.
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Prevalence
Sexsomnia, also known as sleep sex, is a rare sleep disorder in which a person engages in sexual activity during sleep. It is a type of parasomnia, a sleep-related disorder that occurs during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, between deep, dreamless sleep and wakefulness. Sexsomnia can manifest in various behaviours, including fondling, masturbation, sexual intercourse, pelvic thrusting, and spontaneous orgasm. While the person appears awake, with an open-eyed, vacant look, they are, in fact, asleep and unaware of their actions.
The prevalence of sexsomnia is challenging to determine due to the nature of the disorder, as people experiencing it may not be aware of their actions and may only learn about their condition from a bed partner or family member. However, studies provide some insights into its prevalence. A review of 90 cases of sexsomnia across nine countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, found that 82% of offenders were male. Another study by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine revealed that men are three times more likely than women to exhibit sexsomnia symptoms. This gender disparity is also reflected in clinical cases, where men are more likely to exhibit aggressive behaviours, while women are more prone to masturbate.
The rarity of sexsomnia is emphasised, with estimates suggesting it accounts for around 7% of referrals to sleep disorder clinics. However, it is speculated that the actual prevalence may be higher due to underreporting. Shame and embarrassment associated with sexsomnia may deter individuals from seeking help or disclosing their experiences. This is supported by the finding that nearly 8% of people at a sleep centre exhibited symptoms of sexsomnia, suggesting a higher prevalence than what is typically reported.
Beyond the direct prevalence of sexsomnia, studies have explored the prevalence of fantasies involving sexual activity with a sleeping partner. A 2015 study found that 22.6% of men and 10.8% of women had fantasised about "sexually abusing a person who is drunk, asleep, or unconscious." A 2021 study by Michael Seto reported that 9% of participants had an interest in "sex with someone who is unconscious or sleeping," with 7.7% engaging in such behaviour. Another study revealed that 82% of participants were interested in consensual sexual activities with a sleeping partner, while 47% expressed interest in non-consensual somnophilic activities. These studies indicate that fantasies involving sleeping partners are more prevalent than previously thought, although possible sample biases should be considered.
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Frequently asked questions
Sexsomnia is a rare sleep disorder in which a person engages in sexual activity during their sleep. They will usually have no recollection of events during the act or when they wake up.
The symptoms of sexsomnia vary depending on the person. However, behaviours may include fondling, masturbation, sexual intercourse, pelvic thrusting, and spontaneous orgasm.
The causes of sexsomnia are not yet well understood. However, it is often associated with other sleep disorders such as sleepwalking, sleep apnoea, night terrors, and bedwetting. It may also be triggered by stress, anxiety, depression, alcohol consumption, and sleep deprivation.
Treatment for sexsomnia depends on the underlying cause. It may involve medication, such as clonazepam, or lifestyle changes, such as improving sleep hygiene, reducing stress, and addressing substance abuse.
Somnophilia is a paraphilia in which an individual becomes sexually aroused by someone who is asleep or unconscious. It is characterised as a type of sexual fetishism and predatory paraphilia.
