Sleepless in America

Healthy rest, problem sleep, and the dreams and nightmares therein.

John Cline, Ph.D., works at the Sleep Disorders Centers of Connecticut and Waterbury Hospital Regional Sleep Lab. He also teaches psychiatry at Yale University. See full bio

February 12, 2009, Sleep

Comments on "Sexsomnia"

Sexsomnia

By John Cline, Ph.D. on February 12, 2009 in Sleepless in America

"Dr. Christian Troy, famous Los Angeles plastic surgeon, had sex with Dr. Liz Cruz, his colleague and ‘outspoken lesbian anesthesiologist' while allegedly asleep." Read More

In fact..

Submitted by YG on February 12, 2009 - 9:34pm.

I heard that sexsomnia is creating such widespread panic that they're considering a five year ban on it due to an overpoplulation of sleep-walking zombie children ;)

This article has been

Submitted by RM on February 18, 2009 - 12:55pm.

This article has been particularly helpful in uncovering the quite real possibility that I have sexsomnia. My wife has been complaining about these episodes for sometime. I often do not remember them in their totality.

I scheduled an appointment next week with a psychiatrist to discuss this problem. Do you suggest seeing a psychiatrist or sleep disorder specialist?

Thanks for your help.

sexsomnia

Submitted by John Cline, Ph.D. on February 18, 2009 - 1:23pm.

If the behaviors you have been having are indeed sexsomnia, then they certainly can be very problematic for your spouse. For this type of parasomnia, which is still not well known even to many sleep professionals, I would generally recommend a sleep disorders specialist. On the other hand, if you already have an appointment with a psychiatrist, you may want to call ahead and find out if he or she is familiar with sleep disorders. Many psychiatrists have little background in treating sleep problems, while others are actually board certified in sleep medicine. You are definitely making the right move to get this evaluated and I wish you and your wife the best of luck in getting good help.

My husband and I co-sleep

Submitted by burnice on April 21, 2009 - 9:57am.

My husband and I co-sleep with our 18 month old son. I honestly do not recall if this was the case before our son's birth, but my husband tells me that I have quite frequent episodes of sexsomnia. Unfortunately for him, these episodes rarely end with climax, as I apparently to get bored with it and roll away from him.

Could this be caused by my son's occasionally-frequent night wakings? I haven't had a full night's sleep since he was born, but I am quite functional and alert during the day.

sexsomnia

Submitted by John Cline, Ph.D. on May 3, 2009 - 6:11pm.

I would ask your husband for more information about the behavior, especially how long it has been going on. In general, parasomnias like sexsomnia tend to occur and occur more frequently when people are sleep deprived or have fragmented sleep. Certainly this would apply to many new parents. You may want to consult your pediatrician about sleeping arrangements with your son as he is getting older. This is especially the case if there is the possibility of sexual behavior occurring with him in your bed. If episodes of sexsomnia are problematic it would be best to seek consultation with you physician as you may need referral to a sleep specialist. Best of luck.