Sexonambulism: know the characteristics and understand why it is so controversial

Have you ever heard of sexwalking? The term is little known, but, in fact, it should be further explored, as highlighted by psychologist and sex educator Breno Rosostolato. The condition has serious implications for life – not just for the person who is affected by the disorder, but also for those who live with it.

Also known as sexsomnia, sexwalking is a form of sleepwalking. “It is characterized by the desire to have sex and masturbate during sleep. It affects approximately 7% of the world population, that is, it is not so rare and uncommon”, adds Rosostolato. He understands what are the characteristics of this disorder and why it is so controversial.

Why is sexwalking so controversial?

Sex therapist Leila Cristina comments that sexsomnia was first recognized as a disease in 2014. And in 2018, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASMNET) included it in its catalog. “It is part of the group of disorders known as parasomnias, motor activities that are carried out during the sleep period,” she says.

Psychologist Rosostolato explains that there is a prevalence of the disorder more in men (86%) than women. “Importantly, these are people who maintain the same sexual pattern while sleeping, as if they were awake, and who tend not to remember what happened the next day,” he says.

Sex walking is controversial, as explained by Rosostolato, because there were many cases of men who had sex with other people, without their consent, which constitutes rape, and claimed not to remember anything.

“This issue of sexual intercourse materialized through the allegation of sex walking made the area of ​​Law and Criminal have to study the matter in depth to be able to blame or exonerate the cases that have already happened”, adds the psychologist.

Sex therapist Leila points out that this disorder has become controversial because many people “sexually attack” their partners during sleep. “As the person is sleeping, the person does not know what he is doing, since it is an automatic activity of the nervous system. Men and women complain of being surprised during their sleep by their partners in full sexual activity (or attempt)… Women, in particular, feel raped or raped by their partners,” she explains.

Features of sexwalking

Sexual behaviors related to sexwalking, according to Leila, include:

• Masturbation
• caresses
• oral sex
• Sexual intercourse that can reach climax (orgasm)
• sexual assault/rape

Leila points out that an online survey was carried out by the University Health Network, in Toronto (2006), where it was found that 2/3 of the reported cases occurred in men.

“The causes include: alcohol consumption, drug use, fatigue and stress, in addition to sleep disorders such as obstructive apnea. Another cause of sexsomnia is sleep-related epilepsy, which can result in sexual arousal, pelvic thrust and orgasms.

The sex therapist warns, however, that sexwalking (sexsomnia) should not be confused with nocturnal erection, a very common fact due to hormonal changes in men during sleep. “In the disease, the person needs to be active to achieve sexual pleasure, whether alone, masturbating or with a partner”, she highlights.

The diagnosis of sexnambulism, as Leila explains, must be made in hospitals or specialized clinics, through the study of the patient’s brain waves (nocturnal polysomnography, electroencephalogram).

Is there treatment for sexwalking?

Breno Rosostolato highlights that the disorder has no cure. “It is very important for the person to seek medical and psychotherapeutic help and guidance. Knowing about the subject is necessary to know how to deal with this disorder, as well as the existing methods and procedures to alleviate the aggravating and difficulties”, he says.

Leila points out that the first thing to do is seek medical help for sleep disorders, as a person with sexsomnia can experience many negative emotions, including:

• Frustration
• Rage
• Confusion
• Denial
• Fear
• Repulsion
• Fault
• Shame

“These negative emotions often lead to tremendous stress. Sexual behavior during sleep, whether aggressive or not, stops if the person is awakened; that’s why it’s important that those who suffer from this disease talk to her / her partner because he will be acting without being aware or memory of what happened ”, adds Leila.

Rosostolato also explains that there are indications for drug treatments, such as antidepressants, for people who suffer from this disorder. “It is important for people to seek to understand this type of sleepwalking by investigating sleep-related disorders. Psychotherapy, as well as relaxation techniques and techniques that promote better breathing (such as yoga), are indicated,” he says.

Leila Cristina comments that the treatment combines therapy and changes in the patient’s lifestyle. “Alcohol, anxiety and stress should be avoided as they can be sexual sleep triggers. Doctors usually prescribe antidepressants and/or sedatives, ending symptoms in one to three months. It is also possible to take certain precautions, such as sleeping in a separate room with the door locked until these symptoms are under control,” she adds.

Now you know what sexwalking is and understand why it is so controversial. Also read more about insomnia and ways to fight it.

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