Could Sexsomnia Exist - and Am I Unaware of It If I Experience It?
Unveiling the Mystery of Sexsomnia: A Sleep Disorder You Should Know About
Sexsomnia, also known as sleep sex, is a lesser-known sleep disorder that involves sexual activities during non-REM sleep. This condition, although not widely discussed, can significantly impact the lives of those affected and their loved ones.
Causes and Risk Factors
Sexsomnia is often linked to other sleep disorders such as sleepwalking and REM behavior disorder. Conditions that disrupt deep sleep, like obstructive sleep apnea, sleep-related seizures, restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy, chronic insomnia, and various neurological or psychiatric disorders, can increase the risk of sexsomnia. Lifestyle and environmental factors such as stress, anxiety, depression, alcohol or substance use, and sleep deprivation can also provoke or worsen sexsomnia episodes [1].
Treatment Approaches
Treatment for sexsomnia typically begins with identifying and managing any underlying conditions. For instance, a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device may be used to treat sleep apnea in relation to sexsomnia. Addressing triggers like stress or substance use is crucial. Diagnosis often involves sleep studies, including video-polysomnography and EEG monitoring to detect seizures or other abnormal brain activity during sleep [1].
Management may include behavioral strategies, stress reduction, and in some cases, medication tailored to the underlying causes or coexisting sleep disorders. However, no specific medications are universally prescribed for sexsomnia itself; treatment targets the associated or underlying conditions [1].
Understanding Sexsomnia
Sexsomnia is a parasomnia, a sleep-related disorder that occurs during the transition from deep, dreamless sleep to wakefulness. Someone experiencing an episode of sexsomnia might have an open-eyed, vacant look. To protect others, it's important to seek a diagnosis and appropriate treatment for sexsomnia, communicate with loved ones about the condition, and take precautions such as sleeping in a separate room, avoiding triggers, and following a sleep schedule [1].
Sleeping in a quiet environment can help manage sexsomnia. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Prozac® or Zoloft® may be used to treat depression and anxiety related to sexsomnia [1].
Breaking the Taboo
Despite its potential embarrassment, sexsomnia is a treatable condition with appropriate medical care and lifestyle adjustments. Patients are encouraged to seek medical advice for accurate diagnosis and tailored therapy. This overview is based on current expert guidance and research compiled by the Sleep Foundation and related clinical resources [1].
- Mental health conditions, such as stress, anxiety, and depression, can provoke or worsen sexsomnia episodes, emphasizing the importance of addressing these issues as part of the treatment plan.
- In managing sexsomnia, creating a quiet and peaceful environment can help reduce the frequency of episodes, highlighting the significance of optimal sleeping conditions in the prevention and management of this sleep disorder.
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Prozac® or Zoloft®, may be used to treat depression and anxiety related to sexsomnia, indicating the intersection between mental health and sexual health in the context of this sleep-related disorder.
