Masturbation at night may be related to a sleep disorder. Everything you should know about it, if you or your partner is affected, you can read here.
You wake up in the morning all sweaty and confused – your whole body is tingling and you only remember a wet dream you had during the night? Masturbation during sleep does happen, but if the frequency is extreme, it may be related to a sleep disorder.
Masturbation during sleep: What is behind it?
The very rare sleep disorder “sexsomnia” means that affected persons perform sexual acts, such as masturbation, without being aware of what they are doing. Similar to classic sleepwalking, there is no memory the morning after. In extreme cases, sexual intercourse with a person also present in bed is possible. Men are more often affected by these disorders than women.
Of course, it doesn’t have to mean that you or your partner suffers from sexsomnia if you or he/she is sometimes aroused at night. Erotic dreams that involve touching the erogenous zones are perfectly normal and human. However, if you notice symptoms such as exhaustion, mood swings and low mood after the night, this could be a sign of a sleep disorder. Also, if others are harmed, it is serious and you should definitely seek medical advice.
Often these sexual acts also put a strain on the relationship, as many sex sleepwalkers act as if they are awake and the partner doesn’t always notice right away that the other is actually asleep. Some sufferers even talk dirty during sleep, rubbing themselves against the other person’s body, or moaning loudly, which can be very disturbing.
Sex in your sleep: what to do?
Especially the shame about the nocturnal activities, makes many sexsomnia patients silent about their problems. Observation in special sleep laboratories can help! For some sufferers, medication or special therapy methods can also be a treatment option. However, this must be judged individually by a specialist. In general, the phenomenon of sexsomnia is not yet well researched and is not even recognized as a disease by some physicians.
Doctors advise the renunciation of stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol or of sleeping pills in order to find a healthy and regular sleep rhythm. Evening relaxation exercises can also help.