Sexsomnia—A New Parasomnia?

TLDR

Sexsomnia shares features with other NREM arousal parasomnias such as sleepwalking and has been identified in patients referred for unrelated sleep problems or medicolegal concerns. The study aims to describe sexsomnia as a distinct parasomnia involving sexual behavior during sleep. The authors used a case series to characterize sexsomnia, noting that automatic arousal is prominent, motor activity is restricted and specific, and dream mentation is often present. Eleven patients exhibited distinct sexual behaviors during sleep, with features distinguishing sexsomnia from sleepwalking, and the behavior appears more common than previously thought, as many were identified only after targeted questioning.

Abstract

Objective: To describe a distinct parasomnia involving sexual behaviour, which we have named sexsomnia. Method: We have used a case series as a basis for the description of sexsomina. Results: Eleven patients with distinct behaviours of the sexual nature during sleep are described. The features in common with other nonrapid eye movement arousal parasomnias, such as sleepwalking are documented. Some patients had simply been referred to a tertiary sleep clinic for investigation of unrelated sleep problems. A small number had been involved in medicolegal issues. Sexsomnia has some distinct features that separate it from sleepwalking. The automatic arousal is more prominent, motor activities are relatively restricted and specific, and some form of dream mentation is often present. Conclusions: A significant number of patients with this unusual parasomnic behaviour were identified only after specific questions were asked, suggesting that the behaviour is more common than previously thought.