Sleep Disorder - SLEEP SEX OR SEXSOMNIA

Rose wants to know if you have you ever heard of the sleep disorder sleep sex or sexsomnia? It is a form of sleep walking during NREM or non-rapid eye movement parasomnia which causes people to engage in sexual acts such as fondling, masturbation, sexual intercourse, sexual assault or even rape, sleep exacerbation of persistent sexual arousal syndrome, ictal sexual hyperarousal and ictal orgasm. (“Ictal” is a physiological state like that of a seizure or stroke.) at the same time they are sleeping. There are at least 11 different sex-related sleep disorders that are classified as “sexsomnia,” “sleep sex,” or “atypical sexual behavior during sleep.”

Often objectionable consequences associated with sleep sex as it has been used in criminal rape cases and can cause the sufferers shame and embarrassment. Sexsomnia itself can also take quite a toll on their partner and relationship. Partners may experience cuts and scratches from more aggressive or forced sex. The sexsomniac may awaken with a bruised penis or fractured fingers. Both parties report feelings of bewilderment, guilt, despair, shock, denial, annoyance, confusion, worry and fear.

Can you imagine falling asleep, having sex, and not remembering a thing? You have no clue nor can’t recall any pleasurable effects. You don’t know that you suffer from this sleep disorder until a partner says something or does something like leave you or press charges.

People who have a history of doing other sleep activities such as sleepwalking or sleep talking are more likely to exhibit sexsomnia episodes. Increased episodes are attributed by alcohol, sleep deprivation or even sleep apnea. Men have reported injuries during aggressive masturbation against metal or brick walls because people experiencing a parasomnia are not often violent; they usually pose more of a threat to themselves. Men account for three quarters of the diagnosed cases. To diagnosis this condition a polysomnography is performed at a sleep clinic, but most cases are reported only after criminal charges have been filed. Nearly 8% of those of patients referred to a sleep disorders clinic reported they had initiated or taken part in sexual behavior while sleeping.

The first doctor to coin the term "sleep sex" was Dr. David Saul Rosenfeld, a neurologist and sleep doctor from Los Angeles, California. In some cases, sufferers are aware of their behavior for a long time before they seek help, often because they lack information that it is a medical disorder or for fear that others will judge it as willful behavior rather than a medical condition.

However, the reality of sexsomnia has been confirmed by sleep disorder researchers who have made polygraphic and video recordings of patients with the condition while they are asleep and observed unusual brain wave activity during the episodes similar to that experienced in other NREM arousal parasomnias. It is a mind/body disconnect that occurs during sleep. The treatment has commonalities with other NREM parasomnias, and also involves specific interventions. By avoiding precipitating factors and ensuring a safe environment, the condition could be brought to a high level of control with minimal effort. Your doctor may prescribe clonazepam for treatment.

Clonazepam is used alone or in combination with other medications to control certain types of seizures. It is also used to relieve panic attacks (sudden, unexpected attacks of extreme fear and worry about these attacks). Clonazepam is in a class of medications called benzodiazepines. It works by decreasing abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

Generally, people have no awareness of what they are doing and no recollection of it and whether married, coupled or single, any case of sexsomnia involves the “no consent” issue of sex. Sleep invites the opportunity for the surfacing of a person’s basic instincts usually ones that are released inappropriately. The court system, couples, and victims alike are all grappling with the issues of accountability and consequences for one’s actions while asleep.

What makes sleep sex disorders even more perplexing and difficult to sort through is that they do not indicate psychological problems. The people who suffer from these disorders are otherwise psychologically healthy. However, if left untreated, these conditions can increase an individual’s risk of developing a psychological problem, like depression.

Other problems include feelings of:
— A lack of emotional intimacy;
— A sense of repulsion and sexual abandonment;
— Self-incrimination in sexually expressing one’s self.

Some partners of sexsomniacs do, however, report having more satisfying sex during these nightly romps, whether this involves a lover being:
— More aggressive and dominant;
— Kinkier;
— More amorous;
— Gentler;
— More into satisfying his or her partner.

Regardless, it is important for people with sexsomnia and their lovers to recognize sleep sex triggers. These tend to be physical contact with another person in bed, sleep deprivation, stress, and alcohol. As researchers learn more about these disorders, they are also finding that they can be treated with medication.
Good Day,
Rose Sheepskill