Sex is a passionate activity that is shared between two people. However, there are times when a person develops a specific disorder that causes them to perform sexual activities while they’re asleep. Having sexsomnia can be uncomfortable for your partner and can even cause some embarrassment when you wake up in the morning. What you might not realize is that addressing the underlying cause can help with sexsomnia. This and more is what we’re going to explore in this article.
What is sexsomnia?
Let’s take a look at what exactly sexsomnia is. This is a sleep disorder that is classified as parasomnia[1]. Sleepwalking, for example, falls in a similar category of sexsomnia.
With sexsomnia, you’ll engage in sexual activities and behaviors while you’re asleep. You won’t be aware of this and will often only find out when you wake up the next morning and or if your partner decides to wake you up and tell you about it.
It’s important to note that sometimes, this happens while you’re in between your non-rapid eye movement stage, and the deepest but dreamless stage of your sleep cycle.
Signs and symptoms of sexsomnia
Understanding the signs and symptoms of sexsomnia is important – this information can help you identify your problem or perhaps your partner.
Some symptoms include making sexual motions, moaning, and fondling or touching yourself during sleep. There are also some cases where you will notice changes in your sexual appetite. For example, you might desire sexual intimacy more frequently.
Causes of sexsomnia
There’s a possibility that you have sexsomnia if you are asking – why do I moan in my sleep? Knowing the underlying causes of why you engage in such behavior should help you determine the right steps to address the problem.
Stress is a common trigger for sexsomnia. Moreover, certain sleep-disruptive conditions contribute to this disorder. For example, sleep apnea could trigger this behavior.
Risk factors of sexsomnia
Apart from the causes, recognizing risk factors can also help you know when you’re more likely to experience sexsomnia. This should give you a chance to do proactive remedies before something like this happens.
Men have a higher risk of developing sexsomnia[2]. Researchers have found that men are more likely to develop the disorder than women. If you have a history of sleepwalking or sleeptalking, then the risk is also higher.
Other risk factors involve health problems that can cause disruptions to your sleep. One of these includes restless leg syndrome, causing an uncontrollable urge to constantly move your legs while you’re in bed. People struggling with insomnia also have a higher risk of this disorder.
Triggers
There are often things that trigger sexsomnia in people. Check the following lifestyles and health conditions and see whether they qualify as your possible triggers.
You’ll need to analyze your activities and consider if they’re triggering your sexsomnia. For example, the activities you do before bed, and what you watch on TV, could be connected to this sleep disorder.
Stress, anxiety, and even depression could be the underlying health conditions of these unconscious sexual urges. Somulin is a revolutionary all-natural sleep aid that can reduce anxiety, stress . This remarkable formula helps you fall asleep faster and establish healthier, more regular sleep patterns over time.
How is sexsomnia diagnosed?
To officially diagnose sexsomnia, a sleep study is necessary. There are a few different ways to go about this process, but you should begin by talking to your doctor. They can recommend you check clinics that perform sleep studies[3]. During the sleep study, researchers can assess your behavior while you’re asleep and determine if you have sexsomnia.
Duration of sexsomnia
There isn’t a fixed duration during which sleep sex will last. It all comes down to why it’s happening. When you get down to the root cause, you’ll be able to figure out how long it will take to treat the underlying factors.

Treatment options for sexsomnia
Treating sexsomnia entirely depends on why you have it. It is crucial to see a doctor if you want to address this disorder. Your doctors may make an initial diagnosis through a sleep study and may delve into your medical history and other symptoms you’re experiencing. This can help them decide what kind of approach they should take while treating your sexsomnia.
If your sleep apnea is linked to your sexsomnia, for example, your doctor may recommend using a CPAP machine. In some cases, antidepressants and anxiety medication are prescribed to people suffering from sexsomnia to control these sleep behaviors.
Lifestyle and behavioral changes that can help
While you can address the underlying cause through medical treatments, some lifestyle changes can help in the long run.
Identifying stress triggers is vital, that is, if you suspect stress is involved. It’s common to find high levels of stress in people with sexsomnia. Several things could cause you to feel stressed, such as problems at work, financial difficulties, or even trouble in your relationship. Taking note of these stressors and finding ways to work on them should help reduce the risk of triggering sexsomnia at night.
You should also focus on your sleep hygiene and create a ritual for yourself. This can go a long way in helping you achieve better sleep quality. With improvements in your sleep, the chances of experiencing sexsomnia symptoms will also decline.
FAQs
What does having sex in your sleep mean?
It’s a disorder known as sexsomnia, and it happens when you’re in between the two stages in your sleep cycle. One thing to note is that sexsomnia is classified as a sleep disorder.
Can girls have sexsomnia?
Yes, women can suffer from sexsomnia. However, men are more likely to have this disorder compared to women.
What do I do if my partner has sexsomnia?
Talk to your partner and consider consulting a doctor. They might be advised to go for a sleep study. There are several treatments available for this disorder.
How long does sexsomnia last?
It’s not a condition that clears up in the same way as a viral or bacterial disease. Sexsomnia is a type of sleep disorder health. It might last for a long time if not addressed properly. Identifying the cause remains crucial not only in understanding the disorder but also in finding the right treatments.
Takeaway
Copulation becomes more intimate when done with love and passion. Dealing with sexsomnia can have a major impact not only on yourself but also on your partner. However, you should know that there are treatments to control the symptoms. Seek professional help to find the best way to cure your condition. Proper management and medications should lessen or eliminate your unconscious sexual episodes and help you achieve a night of restful sleep.