Sexsomnia is a sleep disorder that involves a person performing sexual acts while they are asleep. The person is completely unaware of what they are doing and has no control over their actions. All sleep disorders involve some form of unusual behavior during sleep. Other examples of parasomnias include sleep talking, sleep walking, and night terrors.


When a person is afflicted by sexsomnia, it can have damaging consequences, especially on their interpersonal relationships, and lead to personal risks and mental health issues. A better understanding of sexsomnia will help those affected and their partners cope with the situation.


What Is Sleep Sex?

Sex and sleep can be merged in many ways. Some examples include:


  • Masturbation
  • Starting sexual acts with another person
  • Obscene sexual sounds
  • Inadvertently committing sexual acts.

In all cases of sexsomnia, the acts are not committed with the conscious consent of an individual. The individual also has no memory of the events the next day. Research has shown that episodes of sexsomnia can occur when a person is in the non-REM stages of sleep.


Causes and Triggers of Sleep Sex



Medications and Substances

The use of sedatives, hypnotics, and some antidepressants can change the architecture of sleep, and these substances can also cause sleep sex. Alcohol and some recreational drugs may also contribute.


Genetic Predisposition

A family history of sleepwalking and/or parasomnias can make a person more vulnerable.


Medical Conditions

Certain neurological disorders and head injuries that disrupt the control of sleep may lead to sexsomnia.


Symptoms of Sexsomnia

Common sexsomnia symptoms and signs can include:

  • Sexual behaviors while asleep
  • Not recalling the episode and not being aware of the episode
  • Engaging in sexual acts in dangerous and/or inappropriate situations
  • Talking, yelling, and sleepwalking during sex
  • A partner witnessing sexual behaviors while asleep.

Not being aware of the episodes can lead some people to become anxious and/or embarrassed. It may also impact their relationship. Awareness and early intervention can help with the situation.


Diagnosing Sleep Sex

Diagnosing sexsomnia may require the assessment of a sleep specialist or neurologist. It may require the following:

  • A Detailed Sleep History which includes reports of nocturnal behaviors from the individual and from their bed partner.
  • A Sleep Study or polysomnography to determine the presence of abnormal sleeping patterns through the recording of the participant's brain waves, heart rate, and other physical movements.

An evaluation of the person's medical and psychiatric history to rule out the presence of other sleep disorders, other medications, and/or mental health conditions that may be responsible for the parasomnia. Since sexsomnia is considered involuntary, its legal and social consequences often make a professional assessment necessary.


Risks and Complications

There are many risks with sleep sex, for example,

  • Relationship Issues: It may violate and upset your partner and create confusion for them.
  • Injuries: Your body may move in a way that causes you or someone else an injury.
  • Legal and Social Problems: Sexual behavior that someone doesn't consent to may result in legal complications.
  • Emotional and Psychological Distress: It is common for people who are affected to feel anxious, depressed, and guilty.

    We should try to avoid shame and judgment when it comes to sleep sex. Rather, we should show understanding and try to help them seek professional care. 


    Controlling Sleep Sex

    Even though sexomnia cannot be completely eliminated, you can manage it in the following ways:


    Sleep Hygiene

    Try to get to bed and rise at the same time every day


    Establish a calming nighttime routine

    Try to avoid substances that may keep you awake, such as caffeine, alcohol, and other stimulants.


    Addressing Sleep issues

    It is important to seek medical care for sleep apnea, insomnia, and Rests-less Leg Syndrome, and other sleep issues.


    Controlling Stress

    Manage your stress using yoga, meditation, or putting together a calming night time routine.


    Reviewing Medication

    Some medications may lead to sleep sex, and for that reason, they need to be reviewed with your primary care physician.


    Creating a Safe Environment

    Make your surroundings injury free, and provide a way to protect your partner.


    Creating Safe Sleep Environments

    Sleep sex can be hard to control. Because of that, people often need to sleep apart to protect their partner.


    Getting Therapy

    Counseling or CBT can help in more than one way. It may help you with your relationships and help ease your concern or anxiety.


    Final Thoughts

    Sleep sex is often hard to understand. Sleep sex is an involuntary sleep disorder. People can be emotionally disturbed by it. You may also create relational and legal complications. Although it is rare, being open to it and focusing on diagnosis and control may help with managing the disorder.


    Partners must openly communicate and collaborate with specialists and manage the psychological and sleep-related issues, which are fundamental in the management of sexsomnia. It is important for those who practice sleep-sex to understand that the acts themselves are involuntary and not consciously perpetrated, and that the acts are indeed not intended, which is why seeking help and guidance is imperative.


    Please book an appointment with the best Psychologist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find a verified doctor for your disease.