Sexsomnia refers to sexual behaviors that occur during the non-REM sleep cycle. It is a condition that falls within the parasomnia classification of sleep disorders. Sexsomnia is also known as sleep sex.
More About Sexsomnia
Behaviors associated with sexsomnia include masturbation, fondling, sexual intercourse, as well as sexual assault or rape. Similar to sleepwalkers, sexsomniacs often do not remember their actions after an episode. It is unclear what causes episodes of sexsomnia to occur, but it is thought that triggers such as stress, exhaustion, and the use of drugs or alcohol can contribute to sleep sex. Sexsomnia is often treated with either sedatives or antidepressants.
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