What does sexomania mean?

Sexomania, also known as sleep sex or seksomnia, is a rare parasomnia, a type of sleep disorder in which a person engages in sexual activity while asleep.

Like other parasomnias, such as sleepwalking or sleep talking, this usually occurs during deep sleep, and the person is usually unaware of their behavior and has no memory of it upon awakening. Individuals with sexomania may engage in a variety of sexual activities, including masturbation, intercourse, sexual assault, and other sexual acts, while asleep. These activities are performed without awareness or memory.

As with other sleep disorders, stress, lack of sleep, alcohol or drug use, and sleep disorders such as sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome (RLS) may contribute to sexomania. Genetics may also play a role, as sleep disorders tend to run in families.

Diagnosis is usually made by a sleep specialist, often after a comprehensive sleep study (polysomnography) that can record abnormal activity during sleep. Treatment may include lifestyle changes to reduce triggers, such as improving sleep habits, avoiding alcohol and drugs, and reducing stress. Medication may sometimes be prescribed to improve sleep quality or treat other underlying sleep disorders. Therapy and counseling can be helpful for both the patient and the partner in dealing with the effects of the disorder.

Source: https://www.sleep.theclinics.com/article/S1556-407X(23)00088-7/abstract

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2024-08-04 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024