For a lot of us, the things that mess with oursleepare pretty standard.
Having sex while sleeping doesn’t usually qualify.
Yes, this is a real thing.
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There are no hard and fast numbers for how many people have sexsomnia.
Its tough to pinpoint the prevalence because people don’t often speak up about it.
Sexsomnia seems to happen when the brain is partly asleep and partly awake.
Your sleep cycle can be broken down into distinct stages.
Theres REM sleep, or rapid eye movement sleep, which is when you dream.
NREM sleep can be further broken down into three stages.
Its usually the deepest, most restorative phase of sleep.
People can experience parasomnias (sleep disorders that involve strange behavior) during either REM or NREM sleep.
Examples include sleep-talking, sleepwalking, and, as it happens, sexsomnia.
Many NREM parasomnias like sexsomnia feature behaviors called automatisms,Jesse MindelM.D.
a neurologist and sleep medicine specialist at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, tells SELF.
Automatisms can occur without complex reasoning and coordination.
Sexual behaviors like thrusting, masturbation, and even intercourse fall under this key in of activity.
Researchers dont know exactly what causes sexsomnia.
There are, however, theories about potential causes.
As the review explains, sleep apnea tends to wake the brain up during slow-wave sleep.
These tiny sleep interruptions create the perfect environment for confusional arousals.
Theres also the matter of sleep deprivation.
Alcohol consumption may also trigger sexsomnia episodes in people with slow-wave sleep disorders.
SSRIs inhibit REM sleep and might bring about sleep fragmentation.
Most people realize they have sexsomnia when a bed partner complains.
For instance, he explains, people who eat in their sleep might notice weight gain or mysterious messes.
Sleepwalkers might figure out theyre sleepwalking because other people see it or they get injured.
There have been reports of sexual assault that have implicated sexsomnia as a cause.
Sexsomnia is often treatable.
These things don’t start for no reason, Dr. Mindel says.
You just have to figure out what that is and fix it.
You might also take measures to change your overall sleep hygiene.
This includes limiting your alcohol consumption and making sure that youre on a consistent sleep-wake schedule, theISSMsays.
The ISSM also suggests adopting a relaxing evening ritual, like taking a warm bath or reading.
Theres no shame in seeking help if you need it.
