How Common Is Sexsomnia?
Experts are not sure exactly how common sexsomnia is, but believe that it is quite rare.
What Are the Symptoms of Sexsomnia?
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When someone experiences a parasomnia like sexsomnia, they are not aware that they are doing the behavior.
When they wake up and are told what happened, they have no recollection.
Studies have found that up to 96% of people who have sexsomnia have no memory of what happened.
In fact, usually once someone learns about what they did, they are both shocked and upset.
Still, what happens during sexsomnia may resemble many of the sexual behaviors that people exhibit while awake.
But someone who doesnt know they have sexsomnia may mistake their experience for a wet dream.
Sometimes the behavior that happens during sexsomnia is aggressive and happens without consent.
What Causes Sexsomnia?
Medical Conditions
Lifestyle Triggers
How Is Sexsomnia Treated?
Most people who experience sexsomnia dont know about it right away.
They usually have to have a partner or other who witnesses the behavior, and describes it to them.
Whats more, help is out there for you.
Diagnosing sexsomnia usually will require a sleep specialist to ask you questions about your medical and sleep history.
Your sleep specialist may also need to interview your partner to find out what behaviors you are exhibiting.
Treatments for sexsomnia may include lifestyle changes, such as decreasing alcohol consumption and practicing smart sleep hygiene.
Treating an underlying medical condition, such as sleep apnea, can also decrease symptoms.
Sometimes medication is prescribed for parasomnias, including sexsomnia.
Coping With Sexsomnia
Managing your feelings about having sexsomnia can be complicated and challenging.
Its common to feel depressed,ashamed, or anxious about your diagnosis.
Sometimes, it makes sense to sleep separately from your partner until their sexsomnia is treated.
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