How to manage alarming sleep issues?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 21-year-old college student, and I have been struggling with some alarming sleep issues that are taking a toll on my mental health. Lately, I have been experiencing what I think is called 'sleep sex' or 'sexsomnia' - where I engage in sexual behaviors like masturbation or trying to initiate sex with my partner. At the same time, I am still asleep and unconscious. I wake up feeling confused, ashamed, and violated in a way. It is messing with my head and my relationship.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Confusional arousals are episodes of mental confusion or confusional behavior during arousal or awakening from nocturnal sleep or a daytime nap. They represent an interval of "excessive sleep inertia," defined as confusion and disorientation during and following arousals from slow-wave sleep. Sleep-related sexual behavior disorder is the most commonly suspected or implicated sleep disorder in criminal allegations involving sleep-related violence. In a systematic review of medical-legal cases involving sleep-related abnormal sexual behavior, defendants were predominantly male. At the same time, assault victims were usually female and, in most cases, minors in close physical proximity. I suggest you follow the following guidelines:

Maintain consistent and regular sleep-wake cycles.
Identify and eliminate potential triggers, including medications and alcohol.
Treat comorbid sleep disorders.
Educate patients, bed partners, and bystanders.
For treatment, we usually use the Clonazepam tablet 0.05 mg at night.

I hope this information will help you.

Thanks.