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Sexual behaviour in sleep

An internet survey

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Abstract

The objective of the study was to provide further information related to newly described parasomnia variant, Sexual Behaviour in Sleep (SBS, sexsomnia). Previous studies dealt with selected population, typically middle-aged males, featuring extensive medico-legal exposure. At the same time, an anecdotal evidence suggested higher involvement of younger population, and skew towards balance between genders comparable to those seen in other non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) sleep parasomnias. The epidemiological information regarding this condition is still virtually non-existent. In order to sample this difficult-to-reach population, a 28-item Internet survey was posted on the sexsomnia reference site and the link was also sent to prospective respondents (mostly registered visitors to this site). The respondents were able to complete the survey anonymously, which resulted in a need for the screening of bogus and duplicate results. At the end, a total of 219 validated responses were collected and analysed. The results showed greater representation of females (31% of the total number), and wider age distribution (mean age of 30.4 years). The respondents typically reported multiple sexsomnia episodes, in most cases precipitated by body contact, stress and fatigue. Relatively small number of respondents reported involvement of legal authorities (8.6% of males and 3% of females) and participation of minors in their sexsomnia (6% of the total sample). In spite of known limitations of such surveys, the study provided much needed insight into this complex nocturnal behaviour. It confirmed the anecdotal evidence about the gender and age distribution, and provided information on some key features, such as precipitating factors, type of behaviour, medication use, personal medical history and medico-legal aspects.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sleep and Alertness Clinic, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada

    Nikola N. Trajanovic & Colin M. Shapiro

  2. University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, USA

    Nikola N. Trajanovic

  3. Institute of Neurology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia

    Michael Mangan

Authors
  1. Nikola N. Trajanovic
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  2. Michael Mangan
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  3. Colin M. Shapiro
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Nikola N. Trajanovic.

Appendix 1

Appendix 1

Sexsomnia internet survey

  1. 1.

    Gender: Male = 1; Female = 2

  2. 2.

    Age (in years): (open-ended item)

  3. 3.

    Marital status: married = 1; single = 2; divorced = 3; widowed = 4; other = 5

  4. 4.

    Ethnicity: Caucasian = 1; African = 2; Asian = 3; Hispanic = 4; other = 5

  5. 5.

    Nationality: American = 1; Canadian = 2; Other = 3

  6. 6.

    Sexual orientation: heterosexual = 1; bisexual = 2; homosexual = 3; other = 4

  7. 7.

    Please indicate the type(s) of your own sexual behavior in sleep (SBS). Check all that apply: masturbation = 1; fondling = 2; intercourse = 3; sexualized vocalization = 4; sexualized movements = 5; other = 6

  8. 8.

    If you responded “other” on item #7, please describe your behavior here. (open-ended item)

  9. 9.

    What is the frequency (present or past) of your own SBS?: single episode = 1; multiple episodes = 2

  10. 10.

    What do you think might cause or trigger your SBS? Check all that apply: alcohol use = 1; drug use = 2; fatigue = 3; stress = 4; body contact w/bed-partner = 5; other causes/triggers = 6

  11. 11.

    If you responded “other” to item #10, please describe other causes/triggers here. (open-ended item)

  12. 12.

    Please list the gender(s) of the person(s) who have directly witnessed your SBS: male = 1; female = 2; both = 3

  13. 13.

    How old (in years) was the person(s) who directly witnessed your SBS (check all that apply): 0–5 = 1; 6–10 = 2; 11–15 = 3; 16–20 = 4; 21–25 = 5; 26–30 = 6; 31–35 = 7; 36–40 = 8; 41–45 = 9; 46–50 = 10; above 51 = 11

  14. 14.

    Have any witness(es) ever participated in your SBS (i.e., have any engaged in sexual activity with you that you initiated in sleep)? No = 1; Yes = 2

  15. 15.

    If you responded “yes” to item #14, were all participants in your SBS of an age such that they could decide to willingly participate in your SBS (i.e. consent to the activity)? No = 1; yes = 2

  16. 16.

    Has your SBS led to the involvement of legal authorities (e.g., police or social services)? No = 1; Yes = 2

  17. 17.

    If you responded “yes” to item #16, please explain (briefly) the reason(s) the authorities became involved. (Open-ended item)

  18. 18.

    Do you have any other sleep disorders or problems (past or present)? No = 1; Yes = 2

  19. 19.

    If you responded “yes” to item #18, please provide a brief description of your sleep problem(s): (Open-ended item)

  20. 20.

    Do you have any family history (e.g. mother, father, brother, sister, etc.) of sleep disorders or problems? No = 1; Yes = 2; Not Sure = 3

  21. 21.

    Do you have any diagnosed (past/present) mental health conditions (e.g. depression, anxiety)? No = 1; Yes = 2

  22. 22.

    If you responded “yes” to item #21, please list the condition(s): (open-ended item)

  23. 23.

    Do you have any diagnosed (past/present) physical health conditions (heart disease, respiratory problems, etc)? No = 1; Yes = 2

  24. 24.

    If you responded “yes” to item #23, please list the condition(s): (open-ended item)

  25. 25.

    Are you currently taking any medications? No = 1; Yes = 2

  26. 26.

    If you responded “yes” to item #25, please list the medications: (open-ended item)

  27. 27.

    Were you taking any medication(s) at the time you experienced SBS? No = 1; Yes = 2

  28. 28.

    If you responded “yes” to item #27, please list the medications: (open-ended item)

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Trajanovic, N.N., Mangan, M. & Shapiro, C.M. Sexual behaviour in sleep. Soc Psychiat Epidemiol 42, 1024–1031 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-007-0258-0

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