Sleep sex

Sexsomnia, also known as sleep sex, is a distinct form of parasomnia, or an abnormal activity that occurs while an individual is asleep. Sexsomnia is characterized by an individual engaging in sexual acts while in non rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. Sexual behaviors that result from sexsomnia are not to be mistaken with normal nocturnal sexual behaviors, which do not occur during NREM sleep. Sexual behaviors that are viewed as normal during sleep and are accompanied by extensive research and documentation include nocturnal emissions, nocturnal erections, and sleep orgasms.

Sexsomnia
Pronunciation
  • /sɛkˈsɒmni.ə/
SpecialtyPsychiatry, sleep medicine
ComplicationsAllegations of sexual assault; rape
Causesstress, sleep deprivation, pre-existing parasomnia conditions, consumptions of alcohol or drugs
Diagnostic methodBased on symptoms, clinical studies
Treatmentmedications, anticonvulsant therapy, CPAP

Sexsomnia can present in an individual with other pre-existing sleep-related disorders.

Although they may appear to be fully awake, individuals who have sexsomnia often have no recollection of the sexual behaviors they exhibit while asleep.

In some cases, a medical diagnosis of sexsomnia has been used as a criminal defense in court for alleged sexual assault and rape cases.

Classification

DSM-5 criteria

Under DSM-5 criteria, there are 11 diagnostic groups that comprise sleep-wake disorders. These include, Insomnia disorder, Hypersomnolence disorder, Narcolepsy, Obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea, Central sleep apnea, Sleep-related hypoventilation, Circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders, Non–rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep arousal disorders, Nightmare disorder, Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder, Restless legs syndrome, and substance-medication-induced sleep disorder. Sexsomnia is classified under NREM arousal parasomnia.[1]

NREM arousal parasomnia

Parasomnia disorders are classified into the following categories:

  • arousal disorders
  • sleep-wake transition disorders
  • parasomnias associated with REM sleep

Symptoms

Symptoms of sexsomnia include, but are not limited to:

Masturbation during sleep was first reported as a clinical disorder in 1986. The case involved a 34-year-old male who was reported to masturbate each night until climax, even after reporting to have had sexual intercourse with his wife each night before falling asleep. Through the use of video-polysomnography (vPSG), a documented case of sexsomnia was able to provide further information into the nature of this unusual form of parasomnia.[2]

A confusing characteristic for those witnessing an individual in an episode of sexsomnia is the appearance of their eyes being open. Though the eyes are described as being "vacant" and "glassy", they give the appearance of the individual being awake and conscious, although the individual is completely unconscious and unaware of their actions.[3]

Causes

[4][5] Symptoms of sexsomnia can be caused by or be associated with:

Sleep deprivation is known to have negative effects on the brain and behavior. Extended periods of sleep deprivation often results in the malfunctioning of neurons, directly affecting an individual's behavior. While muscles are able to regenerate even in the absence of sleep, neurons are incapable of this ability. Specific stages of sleep are responsible for the regeneration of neurons while others are responsible for the generation of new synaptic connections, the formation of new memories, etc.[6]

Sexsomnia can also be triggered by physical contact initiated by a partner or another individual sharing the same bed.

Risk factors

Sexsomnia affects individuals of all age groups and backgrounds but present as an increased risk for individuals who experience the following:

Behaviors such as pelvic thrusting, sexual arousal, and orgasm are often attributed to sleep-related epilepsy disorder. In some cases, physical contact with a partner in bed has been seen to trigger sexsomia behaviors.[4][7]

Certain medications, including the sedative-hypnotic Zolpidem (commonly known by the brand name Ambien) frequently used to treat insomnia, have been seen to increase risk of sexsomnia as an adverse effect.

Like sleep-related eating disorders, sexsomnia presents more commonly in adults than children. However, these adult individuals usually have a history of parasomnia that began in childhood.

Effects

It is possible for an individual who has sexsomnia to experience a variety of negative emotions due to the nature of their disorder. The following are commonly seen secondary effects of sexsomnia:

The effects of sexsomnia also extend to those in relationship with the patient. Whether the significant other is directly involved, in the case of sexual intercourse, or a bystander, in the case of masturbation behavior, they are often the first to recognize the abnormal behavior. These abnormal sexual behaviors may be unwanted by the partner, which could lead to the incident being defined as sexual assault.[8]

Mechanism

NREM sleep

Non Rapid Eye Movement sleep, or NREM, consists of three stages. Stage 1 is described as "drowsy sleep" or "somnolence" and is characterized by breathing rates becoming increasingly more consistent, the beginning of a decrease in muscle activity, and a decrease in heart rate.[9] The typical duration of Stage 1 is around 10 minutes and accounts for approximately 5% of an individual's total sleep. Stage 2 is characterized by further decline in muscle activity accompanied by a fading sense of consciousness of surroundings. Brain waves during Stage 2 are seen in the theta range. Stage 2 accounts for approximately 45-50% of an individual's total sleep. Stage 3 is the final stage of NREM sleep and the most common for parasomnias to occur. Also known as slow wave sleep (SWS), Stage 3 is characterized by brain temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate, and blood pressure being measured at their lowest. Representing approximately 15-20% of an individual's total sleep, brain waves during this stage are seen in the delta range. When an individual awakes during this stage, they are likely to exhibit grogginess and require up to thirty minutes to regain normal function and consciousness.[10]

Diagnosis

Though it is not possible for a definitive diagnosis of sexsomnia, a series of factors are considered to determine the presence of the condition. Clinical tests may also be utilized for further study.

Determining factors

Determining factors include but are not limited to:

  • a family history of somnambulism, or sleepwalking
  • prior episodes of somnambulism
  • disorientation when awoken
  • observed confusional or autonomic behavior
  • amnesia of episode
  • trigger factors the individual possesses
  • lack of regard to conceal episode
  • the nature of event compared to the individual's baseline character

Clinical tests

Electroencephalography

Electroencephalograms, or EEG, are tests used to depict electrical activity and waves produced by the brain.[11] This test has the ability to detect abnormalities that are associated with disorders that affect brain activity. Episodes of sexsomnia occur most commonly during slow-wave-sleep, or SWS. During this stage of sleep, brain waves tend to slow down and become larger. Through the use of electroencephalography, health professionals are able to determine if the sexual behaviors are occurring during non-REM sleep or if the individual is fully conscious.

Polysomnography

Polysomnography is a study conducted while the individual being observed is asleep. A polysomnograph (PSG) is a recording of an individual's body functions as they sleep. Complete sleep studies are most commonly facilitated at a designated sleep center. Specialized electrodes and monitors are connected to the individual and remain in place throughout study. Video cameras can be used in certain cases to record physical behaviors occurring while the individual is asleep. Typically the unwanted sexual behaviors do not present on film, therefore the majority of information is taken from a sleep study.[12]

The image above depicts an individual undergoing a sleep study.
Body functions measured by a PSG

Polysomnography is also used to aid in the diagnosis of other sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), narcolepsy, and restless leg syndrome (RLS). Normal test results show little to no episodes of sleep apnea and normal electrical activity in the individual's brain and muscles during sleep.[12][13]

Prevention

Since there is not an FDA-approved medication on the market specifically designed for the treatment of sexsomnia, health professionals attempt to treat the disorder through a variety of approaches. Among the first line of prevention for sexsomnia involves creating and maintaining a safe environment for all who are affected as a result of the disorder. Precautionary measures include, but are not limited to, the individual in question sleeping in a separate bedroom and the installation of locks and alarms on doors.[14]

Treatment
Pictured above is an individual wearing a CPAP device.

Treatment for sexsomnia involves one or more of the following:

  • prescription medications
  • CPAP
  • lifestyle changes

Medications

Clonazepam, commonly referred to as Klonopin, has been prescribed as treatment for sexsomnia. This medication is classified as a benzodiazepine and works by acting on the GABA-A receptors present in the central nervous system (CNS).[15] Benzodiazepines open the chloride channels to allow chloride to enter the neuron. The most common use of this medication is for the treatment of anxiety, seizures, panic disorders, and sleep disorders. Anticonvulsant therapy is used to treat sexual behaviors that result secondary to sleep related epilepsy.[16]

CPAP

Continuous positive airway pressure is commonly used as treatment for sleep apnea. In cases where the individual has both sleep apnea and sexual behaviors consistent with sexsomnia, the implementation of a continuous positive airway pressure resulted in a complete discontinuation of unwanted behaviors.

Lifestyle changes

Positive lifestyle changes are encouraged for individuals with sexsomnia. Reducing stress and anxiety triggers may reduce the likelihood of an exacerbation of the disorder. The use of open discussion and understanding between couples decrease the negative emotional feelings and stress felt and generates a support system.[8]

Research

Research findings for sexsomnia first appeared in 1996 publication by Colin Shapiro and Nik Trajanovic of the University of Toronto. In the most recent study of sexsomnia, 832 individuals were surveyed at a sleep disorder center. Among these individuals, 8% reported sexual behaviors consistent with sexsomnia, with men reporting three times more frequently than women.[4]

Society and culture

Sexsomnia has begun to gain attention through its exposure on television, news platforms, and social media outlets.[17]

Media exposure

Articles regarding sexsomnia continue to circulate on Glamour.com, the Huffington Post, and Refinery29 among many others. Increased exposure has resulted in a conversation between those who have the disorder and those directly affected. Sexsomnia has also been featured in popular television series including House, MD, Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, and Desperate Housewives.

Sex offender controversies

The number of sex offenders claiming sexsomnia as the cause of their offenses is rapidly growing. The Australasian Sleep Association has urged qualified physicians to contribute in expert testimony in such cases to ensure the individual's claims are valid and not just an attempt to be released of sexual offense charges.[18]

Smith v. State

Smith v. State of Georgia officially established a separate affirmative defense for the unconscious. According to the defense, "A person who commits an act during unconsciousness or sleep has not committed a voluntary act and is not criminally responsible for the act." In order for the incident to be recognized by the State of Georgia, the accused must have voluntarily committed the act and exhibited intent to carry out the act.[13]

Swedish man acquitted of rape with sexsomnia defense

Mikael Halvarsson was acquitted of rape in Sweden due to the sexsomnia defense. Charges were brought against Halvarsson after reports of sexual assault were filed by his girlfriend at the time. Upon investigation, Halvarsson was found still asleep in the alleged victim's bed when police arrived. During the appeal, a previous girlfriend of Halvarsson testified of similar behavior she had observed in the past, as well as his mother reporting unusual sleep behaviors beginning at a young age.[19]

See also

References
  1. Khurshid, MD, Khurshid A. "A Review of Changes in DSM-5 Sleep-Wake Disorders" (PDF). Psychiatric Times.
  2. Yeh, Shih-Bin; Schenck, Carlos H. (2016). "Sexsomnia: A case of sleep masturbation documented by video-polysomnography in a young adult male with sleepwalking". Sleep Science. 9 (2): 65–68. doi:10.1016/j.slsci.2016.05.009. ISSN 1984-0659. PMC 5022330. PMID 27656267.
  3. "Beyond Insomnia: Sexsomnia". jonbarron.org. Retrieved 15 November 2017.
  4. Shapiro, Colin M; Trajanovic, Nikola N; Fedoroff, J Paul (29 November 2016). "Sexsomnia—A New Parasomnia?". The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. 48 (5): 311–317. doi:10.1177/070674370304800506. PMID 12866336.
  5. Badawy.J.D, Rami (2010). "Sexsomnia: Overcoming the Sleep Disorder Defense" (PDF). NDAA.
  6. "The Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Brain and Behavior | Serendip Studio". serendip.brynmawr.edu. Retrieved 15 November 2017.
  7. "Sexsomnia". Psychology Today. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
  8. "Sleep Sex - Sexsomnia Causes And Treatment | Sleep Disorder Symptoms". Sleep Disorders | all About Sleep Deprivation. Retrieved 15 November 2017.
  9. "Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) Sleep Arousal Disorders - Sleep eBook". sleepdisorders.sleepfoundation.org. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
  10. "NON-REM (NREM) SLEEP - TYPES AND STAGES OF SLEEP - HowSleepWorks". HowSleepWorks. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
  11. "What to Expect During an EEG". www.hopkinsmedicine.org. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
  12. "Polysomnography: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia". medlineplus.gov. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
  13. Schenck, Carlos H.; Arnulf, Isabelle; Mahowald, Mark W. (1 June 2007). "Sleep and Sex: What Can Go Wrong? A Review of the Literature on Sleep Related Disorders and Abnormal Sexual Behaviors and Experiences". Sleep. 30 (6): 683–702. doi:10.1093/sleep/30.6.683. ISSN 0161-8105. PMC 1978350. PMID 17580590.
  14. "What Is Sexsomnia?". EverydayHealth.com. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
  15. "Klonopin Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Warnings - Drugs.com". Drugs.com. Retrieved 15 November 2017.
  16. "List of Benzodiazepines - Drugs.com". Drugs.com. Retrieved 15 November 2017.
  17. Organ, Alexandria; Fedoroff, J. Paul (May 2015). "Sexsomnia: sleep sex research and its legal implications". Current Psychiatry Reports. 17 (5): 34. doi:10.1007/s11920-015-0568-y. ISSN 1535-1645. PMID 25795266.
  18. Alexander, Harriet (8 October 2014). "More sex offenders claiming 'sexsomnia'". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 15 November 2017.
  19. "Man Acquitted of Rape Due to 'Sexomnia'". ABC News. 20 September 2014. Retrieved 27 November 2017.
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