Bizarre sleep disorder called sexsomnia has people realizing how dangerous it can be

There are many different kinds of sleep disorders that can affect the way a person sleeps.

From not being able to sleep at all (insominia) or sleeping too much (hypersomnia), to very pronounced sleepwalking, each of these conditions can impact someone differently.

However, there is one disorder which might initially draw flippant comments from those who don't realise how much it can impact sufferers.

On reflection however, it's easy to see just how very serious the condition could be.

It's called 'sexsomnia' or 'sleep sex', and can have profound effects on people who live with it, as well as their loved ones.

What is 'sexsomnia'?

Sexsomnia is a disorder affecting people while asleep. (Vincent Besnault / Getty)

The condition sees patients trying to initiate sex while completely asleep, and then having zero recollection of it when they wake up.

It is part of a group of parasomnias or sleep disorders, which including sleepwalking, talking and eating among others.

Many people are not even aware that they have the condition until a partner tells them about it.

The symptoms include performing sexual actions, like masturbation or fondling, or making sexual noises while asleep.

It doesn't take long to realise how badly this could impact a person.

In short, it can ruin lives.

Why can it be so dangerous?

Even in less complicated cases, patients can feel a sense of profound guilt and shame when they find out they had initiated sex with no recollection.

Dr. Carlos Schenck is a professor and senior staff psychiatrist at the Hennepin County Medical Center at the University of Minnesota, and specialises in parasomnias.

Schenck told CNN: "They [patients] are really embarrassed, full of shame, very apologetic and totally miserable.

“There certainly can be legal consequences from the sexual behaviors, particularly with minors, and also with aggressive behaviors during sleep."

The condition can cause deep feelings of shame and guilt. (Rafa Elias / Getty)

He added: “There’s a whole area of sleep forensics to deal with these issues.

“They do very comprehensive evaluations, case histories, and interviews with relatives and others to sort out about whether it’s an excuse or the real thing.”

It's still small comfort if a patient who is genuinely living with the condition has already seen relationships collapse and lost jobs, as well as the feeling of guilt and shame.

"What is really disconcerting to these patients is they have total amnesia." Schenck said.

Can it be treated?

The short answer is yes, but it depends.

Sexsomnia can be the result of a range of underlying causes, and treating it successfully requires identifying this root cause as everyone has different triggers.

For example, it could be to do with stress, alcohol, or other problems.

Depending on this, treatment might include medication, lifestyle changes such as reducing alcohol consumption, or reducing stress triggers.

It is also recommended to take safety precautions while undergoing treatment, such as sleeping in a separate room from your partner, or setting movement alarms.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 to reach a 24-hour crisis center or you can webchat at 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.