Guide Note

Sexsomnia is a type of parasomnia in which a person performs sexual acts while still asleep. Much like sleepwalking, the sexual act is not consciously controllable by the person who has the disorder. A sexsomniac is generally not aware of their actions, and commonly do no remember partaking or initiating sexual activities.

Fast Facts

1. Alternate names: Somnambulistic sexual behaviour, sleep sex
2. Term sleep sex coined by Dr. David Saul Rosenfeld
3. First described: 1996¹
4. Defined in June, 2003
5. 2005: Recognized by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine²

While literature suggests that sexsomnia is quite rare, researchers theorize that it is more prevalent than once thought.² This stems from the nature of the subject, since most people are often self-conscious of speaking about their sexual issues.

• Sleepwalking
• Sleep eating
• Sleep driving

Disclaimer

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a physician for information on sexsomnia.