Almost all of us at least once talked in a dream. There are also people who rise sleepwalkersas if they are awake, and some even perform sexual practices. The latter is what is known as sexsomnia and it has created more than one embarrassing moment for those who experience it.
Sexsomnia was originally thought to be the practice of sleepwalking. However, over time, it was noticed that he has his own characteristics. So it was classified as a parasomnia in the last update Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V).
It is known that this happens in the first half of the night, during non-REM sleepwhen the brain sleepingbut there is still muscle activity. Another important fact is that sexual activities, which can range from masturbation before full relationship or moans And tert with people and objects they occur without awareness or intention. It also has nothing to do with erotic dreams. That is, the point is not that people see an erotic dream and bring it to life. These are not wet dreams.
From the first case of sexsomnia to the present
The first known case of sexsomnia was reported in 1986. in SingaporeR. It’s about 34 year old man what happened in the last three years handjob regularly during the night, remembering nothing the next morning.
He went to see a specialist doctor who was pushed by his wife as she was the situation affected him. Her husband masturbated in his sleep despite the fact that they had sex regularly, so his self-esteem was affected.
Because sexsomnia was not known at the time, it was thought that it might be a case of stress-induced sleepwalking. At the time this all started, the patient was having problems at work and started having hearing problems. Also, his wife was recovering from a fungal infection, so he didn’t have sex for several days. However, as his personal situation improved, although the frequency of masturbation decreased, he continued to do so. two or three times a week.
Since then, quite a few cases have been registered, up to the point that in 2007 it began to be interpreted as independent essence of sleepwalking. But what do we know about sexsomnia today?
Risk factors are known, but much more needs to be known
Sexsomnia can occur in anyone. However, they have been documented more cases in men than in women.
Also, there seem to be some risk factors. For example, as seen in the first documented case, stress can exacerbate episodes of sexsomnia. Alcohol or drug use It is also considered a risk factor.
As for other diseases or conditions with which it may accompany, although it can occur completely in isolation, it is true that there have been cases when people have sexsomnia accompanied by narcolepsy, bruxism, or involuntary leg movementsamong other sleep conditions.
In terms of age, although most cases have been reported in middle-aged men, there are also records in much younger and older people. For example, in 2019, a case was reported involving a 16-year-old in Minnesota. The boy was hurt too. anxietywhich, as in the case of the first patient, worsened the situation. There have been cases in the elderly.
What about women?
In general, sexsomnia has been little studied. It has been recorded in the scientific literature just over 100 casesof which the majority are men. Although it is not exclusive to this genre. There have also been cases in women, such as the Brazilian. 42 yearswhose history was recorded in 2021.
It is not known exactly what explains this gender gap. Although it is possible that this is simply a much more taboo topic for women and they do not seek professional help.
Consequences of sexsomnia
In general, sexsomnia is not dangerous. yes they can happen problems with self-esteem, both his own and his partner, as happened with the wife of the first patient. Some injuries can also be caused by a person not controlling activity the way they do outside of sleep. But, in fact, the most terrible consequences They are usually legal.
And the fact is that, although very few cases have been documented sexual harassment in which sexsomnia was affirmed, is already beginning to be studied in forensic science. It is very important that experts are trained to distinguish between conscious sexual abuse and sexsomnia. But it’s also important that people who suffer from it take precautions, such as not sleeping with people they don’t trust much, and above all, avoid sleeping next to minors.
What about treatment?
There is no definitive cure for sexsomnia, although it has been observed that in some cases, psychotropic drugs can give good results. First of all, there was a decrease in cases with antidepressants such as paroxetine. It’s also effective psychological therapyespecially cognitive-behavioral. But each case is unique, and what works for some may not work for others. In addition, there are no clinical trials looking at any of these options. widespread treatment.
On the other hand, given that in some cases the trigger is anxiety or conditions such as bruxism or sleep apneatreating all of these should also improve sexsomnia.
Anyway, psychological therapy, both for victims and their partners, can be important. It is possible that the episodes of sexsomnia will not decrease, but they may learn to experience them with less shame and even look for a positive side of it. Understanding what is going on is essential and this is where the help of a professional is key.
Source: Hiper Textual
