Parasomnia Overlap Disorder with Sexual Behaviors during Sleep in a Patient with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Current evidence and future perspectives in the exploration of sleep-related eating disorder-a systematic literature review

Sleep-related eating disorder (SRED) is a non-REM parasomnia with potentially significant negative effects on general health (dangerous activities during night eating episodes, obesity, or metabolic syndrome, for example). Although the history of SRED encompasses more than six decades, public awareness and even the awareness of the mental health specialists of this disorder is very limited, a phenomenon that hinders the development of research in this field. Therefore, a systematic review based on PRISMA 2020 guidelines explored the available evidence for SRED found in four electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Collaboration, Google Scholar, and Clarivate/Web of Science). A number of 94 primary and secondary reports were retrieved, investigating aspects regarding the risk factors, epidemiology, clinical data and differential diagnosis, epidemiology, structured evaluation, and treatment of SRED. Based on the results of these reports, Z-drugs, but also certain benzodiazepines, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and psychostimulants may trigger the onset of SRED. Psychiatric and neurologic disorders have also been associated with SRED, either as risk factors or comorbid conditions. Cerebral glucose metabolism dysfunctions, neurotransmitter dysfunctions, and genetic factors have been invoked as pathogenetic contributors. Structured assessment of SRED is possible, but there is a dearth of instruments dedicated to this purpose. Data on the prevalence and treatment of SRED exist, but good-quality epidemiological studies and clinical trials are still missing. In conclusion, future research is expected to address the shortcomings of SRED exploration by creating the conditions for better quality and larger group clinical research. The need for such investigation is granted by the importance of this pathology and its negative functional consequences.

Understanding Sexual Parasomnias: A Review of the Current Literature on Their Nature, Diagnosis, Impacts, and Management

Sexual behavior during sleep, known as sexual parasomnias, has captured the interest of researchers and clinicians. These parasomnias involve various sexual activities that occur unconsciously during sleep. Although relatively rare, they can profoundly affect well-being and relationships and can carry legal consequences. Understanding their nature, prevalence, and causes is crucial for advancing knowledge in this field. This article revisits the topic of sexsomnia, presenting new data and discussing cases published from 2007 to 2023. By analyzing these cases, we aim to enhance recognition, diagnosis, and management of sexsomnia, reducing stigma and providing better support for affected individuals.

Management of REM sleep behavior disorder: an American Academy of Sleep Medicine systematic review, meta-analysis, and GRADE assessment

This systematic review provides supporting evidence for a clinical practice guideline for the management of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder in adults and children. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine commissioned a task force of 7 experts in sleep medicine. A systematic review was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials and observational studies that addressed interventions for the management of REM sleep behavior disorder in adults and children. Statistical analyses were performed to determine the clinical significance of critical and important outcomes. Finally, the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) process was used to assess the evidence for making recommendations. The literature search identified 4,690 studies; 148 studies provided data suitable for statistical analyses; evidence for 45 interventions is presented. The task force provided a detailed summary of the evidence assessing the certainty of evidence, the balance of benefits and harms, patient values and preferences, and resource use considerations.

CITATION

Howell M, Avidan AY, Foldvary-Schaefer N, et al. Management of REM sleep behavior disorder: an American Academy of Sleep Medicine systematic review, meta-analysis, and GRADE assessment. J Clin Sleep Med. 2023;19(4):769-810.

A case-control study of sexualised behaviour in sleep: A strong association with psychiatric comorbidity and relationship difficulties

Sexualised behaviour in sleep (SBS) is a relatively rare parasomnia consisting of instinctive behaviours of a sexual nature occurring during non-rapid-eye movement (NREM) sleep. Little information exists at present regarding the clinical features and onset of this condition as well as its link to psychiatric comorbidity, other sleep disorders and history of adverse early life experience. Aims were to typify the condition further and compare features of SBS patients to those with other NREM parasomnias.

METHODS

Details of 335 consecutive patients presenting to a single tertiary sleep centre with non-rapid eye movement (NREM)-parasomnias over a 15-year period (2005-2020) were examined. Data were collated by reviewing case-notes for anthropometric data, past medical history, clinical findings, and video polysomnography. SBS patients were compared to a cohort of 270 non-SBS, NREM-sleep disorder patients (case-control) to ascertain whether they had any distinguishing features from other parasomnias classified in this group.

RESULTS

Sixty-five patients with SBS were identified: 58 males, 7 females (comprising 19.4% of the cohort overall). Mean age at presentation was 33(±9.5) years. Onset of behaviours was commoner in adulthood in the SBS cohort, whereas non-SBS, NREM-parasomnia onset (n = 270) was commoner in childhood: 61.1% and 52.9% respectively (p = 0.007). An association was identified between the presence of psychiatric diagnoses and onset of SBS (p = 0.028). Significant triggers for SBS behaviours included alcohol consumption (p < 0.001), intimate relationship difficulties (p = 0.009) and sleep deprivation (p = 0.028). Patients with SBS were significantly more likely to report sleepwalking as an additional NREM behaviour (p < 0.001). Males were more likely to present at clinic together with their bedpartner and females presented alone. A history of SBS appeared to be more common in those working in the armed forces or the police compared to those presenting with non-SBS, NREM-parasomnias (p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

SBS is more common in clinical practice than previously described and presents with some distinguishing features within the NREM disorder category. This study is the first to identify that onset in childhood or lack of amnesia does not preclude the condition and that patterns of presentation differ between men and women. Sleepwalkers particularly should be asked about SBS. Comorbid psychiatric conditions, profession and intimate partner difficulties are strong determinants of the presentation.

Sexsomnia in Active Duty Military: A Series of Four Cases

Sexsomnia is a type of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) parasomnia in which sexual behaviors arise during sleep; these behaviors are varied and can include masturbation, orgasms with or without self-stimulation, sexual vocalizations and talking, and sexual fondling and/or intercourse with the bed partner. The military creates a challenging environment, with sleep deprivation, shift work, and increased psychosocial stress that may predispose service members to an increased risk for all NREM parasomnias, including sexsomnia. Given that sexsomnia is sometimes invoked in sexual assault military lawsuits, it may behoove the military community to understand how this condition usually manifests so that its medicolegal implications can be addressed more clearly. Here, we present the largest case series of sexsomnia to date in active duty military service members, which adds to the limited literature on such cases in the military and to the broader but still growing literature on this rare disorder. We compare and contrast these cases with the available literature to highlight their similarities and differences in addition to commenting on the relevance of these cases in forensic investigations. As none of these cases were involved in legal issues, they could provide useful information about this rare condition in individuals who are less likely to be affected by the biases that are inherent to litigation.

Clonazepam for the management of sleep disorders

BACKGROUND

The objectives of this review and meta-analysis of polysomnographic data are those to focus on the clinical use of clonazepam for the management of sleep disorders by re-analyzing clinical trials and randomized clinical trials which have been published in peer-reviewed journals.

METHODS

A review of the literature including clinical trials and randomized controlled trials was performed in PubMed®, in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement protocol. A random effects model meta-analysis was then carried out for the four more frequently reported polysomnographic measures: total sleep time, sleep latency, sleep efficiency, and periodic leg movement during sleep (PLMS) index.

RESULTS

A total of 33 articles were retrieved and screened in full text, of which 18 met the criteria for review; among the latter, nine met the criteria for meta-analysis. The studies included in the review involved patients with insomnia, REM sleep behavior disorder, sleep bruxism, and restless leg syndrome or PLMS which reported, most often, an increase in total sleep time with clonazepam. A clear sleep-promoting effect of clonazepam was found also by meta-analysis.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that the pharmacological treatment of sleep disorders with clonazepam must always be personalized according to the type of patient, the risk of addiction and the concomitant presence of respiratory disorders are key factors to take into account. However, in light of the clinical evidence of the few studies in the literature on the different types of disorders, more studies on the use of clonazepam (also in association with first choice treatments) are definitely needed.

REM sleep behavior disorder as a complex condition with heterogeneous underlying disorders: clinical management and prognostic implications [Commentary]

PURPOSE

To review how REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is a complex condition with heterogeneous underlying disorders; and to review clinical management issues and prognostic implications.

METHODS

PubMed literature search and contents from the first textbook of RBD (2018).

RESULTS

RBD, with its core objective diagnostic feature of REM-without-atonia (RWA) documented by video-polysomnography, can emerge during the entire lifespan, and can initially present as an idiopathic (isolated) condition (iRBD), or can be associated with a broad spectrum of disorders including narcolepsy, alpha-synuclein neurodegenerative disorders (esp. Parkinson's disease [PD] and dementia with Lewy bodies [DLB]), paraneoplastic neurological syndromes and autoimmune disorders, CNS lesions (e.g., tumors, stroke), other neurological disorders, psychiatric disorders (PTSD, mood disorders), can be triggered by antidepressant/other medications, and can emerge acutely with drug withdrawal states, toxic-metabolic states, etc. Important clinical issues include the evolution of iRBD to PD/DLB in most middle-aged and older patients over a period of years to several decades, with compelling prognostic implications, along with the hope of enrolling these patients in future clinical trials to test promising disease-modifying therapies. Also, the strong link of RBD with narcolepsy needs further investigation. Parasomnia overlap disorder involves RBD and NREM parasomnias that can be idiopathic or linked with a broad range of clinical disorders. RBD usually responds to therapy consisting mainly of melatonin and/or clonazepam at bedtime. The complex associations of RBD with OSA are being increasingly investigated. RBD mimics with dream-enactment need to be recognized for diagnostic and management purposes, including severe OSA, NREM parasomnias, PLMD, nocturnal seizures, and other conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical and research RBD fields span across the disciplines of neurology, pulmonary, psychiatry, psychology, and pediatric sleep medicine, along with physical medicine and rehabilitation medicine, other allied disciplines, and the basic and clinical neurosciences.

The Parasomnias and Sleep Related Movement Disorders—A Look Back at Six Decades of Scientific Studies

The objective of this article is to provide a comprehensive personal survey of all the major parasomnias with coverage of their clinical presentation, investigation, physiopathogenesis and treatment. These include the four major members of the slow-wave sleep arousal parasomnias which are enuresis nocturna (bedwetting), somnambulism (sleepwalking), sleep terrors (pavor nocturnus in children, incubus attacks in adults) and confusional arousals (sleep drunkenness). Other parasomnias covered are sleep-related aggression, hypnagogic and hypnopompic terrifying hallucinations, REM sleep terrifying dreams, nocturnal anxiety attacks, sleep paralysis, sleep talking (somniloquy), sexsomnia, REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), nocturnal paroxysmal dystonia, sleep starts (hypnic jerks), jactatio capitis nocturna (head and total body rocking), periodic limb movement disorder (PLMs), hypnagogic foot tremor, restless leg syndrome (Ekbom syndrome), exploding head syndrome, excessive fragmentary myoclonus, nocturnal cramps, and sleep-related epileptic seizures. There is interest in the possibility of relationships between sleep/wake states and creativity.

A rare presentation of sexsomnia in a military service member

NONE

Sexsomnias are unconscious sexual behaviors during sleep (parasomnias) that are garnering more attention as they become increasingly evident in forensic cases. Presentations of sexsomnia in active duty service members are seldom described, and often evaluation is clouded by intoxication with substances such as alcohol, sleep deprivation, untreated sleep disturbances, or criminal behavior masquerading as a medical disorder. We present a case of a 40-year-old male soldier evaluated in our sleep clinic for multiple episodes of sleep masturbation occurring over a period of 2 years. The patient was concerned about his suitability for deployment to a combat zone and participation in field training exercises (both require sleeping in groups in an open environment). Video polysomnography confirmed moderate obstructive sleep apnea, and the patient showed improvement with continuous positive airway pressure therapy. The authors also discuss the relevance of this case compared with previously reported sexsomnia cases and expand on parasomnia topics that are more common in military populations.

REM sleep behavior disorder: Mimics and variants

Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is a parasomnia with dream-enactment behaviors occurring during REM sleep and associated with the lack of the physiological REM sleep muscle atonia. It can be isolated and secondary to other neurological or medical conditions. Isolated RBD heralds in most cases a neurodegenerative condition due to an underlying synucleinopathy and consequently its recognition is crucial for prognostic implications. REM sleep without atonia on polysomnography is a mandatory diagnostic criterion. Different conditions may mimic RBD, the most frequent being obstructive sleep apnea during sleep, non-REM parasomnia, and sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy. These diseases might also be comorbid with RBD, challenging the evaluation of disease severity, the treatment choices and the response to treatment evaluation. Video-PSG is the gold standard for a correct diagnosis and will distinguish between different or comorbid sleep disorders. Careful history taking together with actigraphy may give important clues for the differential diagnosis. The extreme boundaries of RBD might also be seen in more severe and complex conditions like status dissociatus or in the sleep disorders' scenario of anti IgLON5 disease, but in the latter both clinical and neurophysiological features will differ. A step-by-step approach is suggested to guide the differential diagnosis.

Case Report: Parasomnia Overlap Disorder Induced by Obstructive Sleep Hypopnea Apnea Syndrome: A Case Report and Literature Review

Obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and parasomnia overlap disorder (POD) are types of sleep disorders. When the symptoms of both conditions coexist, the POD symptoms are most likely caused by OSAHS. In these cases, the symptoms of POD will be relieved when OSAHS is effectively treated. We refer to these cases as symptomatic POD (related to OSAHS), which differs in pathophysiology, complications, and treatment from idiopathic POD. It is important to note that the treatment for idiopathic POD may aggravate the symptoms of OSAHS. In this case, we used video polysomnography (v-PSG) on a POD patient with suspected OSAHS to distinguish idiopathic POD from symptomatic POD, to inform the appropriate treatment course. The video results and clinical features lead us to diagnose symptomatic POD, and we treated the patient with auto-set continuous positive airway pressure to address their OSAHS. This course of treatment resolved all POD-related symptoms. Here, we discuss this case and review the relevant literature. This report highlights the importance of the use of v-PSG in the clinical diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and subsequent treatment of POD.

A 10-Year-Old with Frequent, Disruptive, and Unexplained Night Awakenings

A 10-year-old female presented to the sleep clinic for a second opinion about her epilepsy diagnosis. She had been treated with antiepileptic medication but her events persisted. The child would wake up several times every night speaking nonsense words, appear confused to her family, and then go back to sleep. A video of the polysomnography (PSG) showed the patient having two of her typical events. The patient was eventually diagnosed with confusional arousal (CoA) secondary to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The nocturnal events resolved after her OSA was treated. This case highlights an atypical clinical presentation for a type of parasomnia like CoA that was misdiagnosed and treated for seizures. It will illustrate OSA and its mechanisms as a potential occasional treatable cause for CoA. It also demonstrates the importance of video-PSG in the work-up of CoA. 

Sexsomnia in an Adolescent

ABSTRACT

Sexsomnia has been reported and is well described in 115 prior cases in the literature. There have been associations with other sleep disorders serving as triggers for confusional arousals, thereby worsening sexsomnia episodes. We present a case of an adolescent boy with a history of resected and treated pineoblastoma who later developed sexsomnia marked by multiple episodes of masturbatory events per night. He had additional suspicions of obstructive sleep apnea. Polysomnography confirmed severe obstructive sleep apnea and captured multiple episodes of sexsomnia from both REM and NREM sleep. The patient also had daytime symptoms of severe anxiety and hypersomnia that required pharmacological intervention, cognitive behavioral techniques, and hypnosis. The patient showed improvement with hypnosis along with a multimodal approach to the treatment of sexsomnia.

The Co-Occurrence of Sexsomnia, Sleep Bruxism and Other Sleep Disorders

Background: Sleep sex also known as sexsomnia or somnambulistic sexual behavior is proposed to be classified as NREM (non-rapid eye movement) parasomnia (as a clinical subtype of disorders of arousal from NREM sleep—primarily confusional arousals or less commonly sleepwalking), but it has also been described in relation to REM (rapid eye movement) parasomnias. Methods: The authors searched the PubMed database to identify relevant publications and present the co-occurrence of sexsomnia and other sleep disorders as a non-systematic review with case series. Results: In the available literature the comorbidity of sexsomnia and other sleep disorders were reported mainly in case reports and less in case series. Sexsomnia was reported both with one and with multiple sleep-related disorders, with NREM parasomnias and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) being the most commonly reported. Furthermore, the authors enrich the article with new findings concerning two novel cases of sleep bruxism triggering recurrent sexsomnia episodes. Conclusions: Sexsomnia has still not been reported in the literature as often as other parasomnias. The coexistence of sexsomnia and other sleep-related disorders should be more thoroughly examined. This could help both in sexsomnia as well as other sleep-related disorders management.

Prevalence of Parasomnias in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea. A Registry-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: To assess the prevalence of parasomnias in relation to presence and severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We hypothesized higher parasomnia prevalence with higher OSA severity.

Methods: The sample comprised 4,372 patients referred to a Norwegian university hospital with suspicion of OSA (mean age 49.1 years, 69.8% males). OSA was diagnosed and categorized by standard respiratory polygraphy (type 3 portable monitor). The patients completed a comprehensive questionnaire prior to the sleep study, including questions about different parasomnias during the last 3 months. Pearson chi-square tests explored differences according to the presence and severity of OSA. Furthermore, logistic regression analyses with the parasomnias as dependent variables and OSA severity as predictor were conducted (adjusted for sex, age, marital status, smoking, and alcohol consumption).

Results: In all, 34.7% had apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) <5 (no OSA), 32.5% had AHI 5-14.9 (mild OSA), 17.4% had AHI 15-29.9 (moderate OSA), and 15.3% had AHI ≥30 (severe OSA). The overall prevalence of parasomnias was 3.3% (sleepwalking), 2.5% (sleep-related violence), 3.1% (sexual acts during sleep), 1.7% (sleep-related eating), and 43.8% (nightmares). The overall parasomnia prevalence was highest in the no OSA group. In the chi-square analyses, including all OSA groups, the prevalence of sleep-related violence and nightmares were inversely associated with OSA severity, whereas none of the other parasomnias were significantly associated with OSA severity. In adjusted logistic regression analyses the odds of sleepwalking was significantly higher in severe compared to mild OSA (OR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.12–3.55). The other parasomnias, including sleep-related violence and nightmares, were not associated with OSA presence or severity when adjusting for sex and age.

Conclusions: We found no increase in parasomnias in patients with OSA compared to those not having OSA. With the exception of sleepwalking, the parasomnias were not associated with OSA severity.

Sleep-Related Abnormal Sexual Behaviors (Sexsomnia) Successfully Treated With a Mandibular Advancement Device: A Case Report

ABSTRACT

Sleep-related abnormal sexual behaviors (sexsomnia) are classified as a subtype of non-rapid eye movement sleep parasomnias. There are reported cases of control of sexsomnia with treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with continuous positive airway pressure. We present a case of sexsomnia controlled with the treatment of OSA with a mandibular advancement device.

Sexsomnia and REM- predominant obstructive sleep apnea effectively treated with a mandibular advancement device

Parasomnias with sexual behavior or sexsomnias are considered a subtype of NREM parasomnias. Obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea (OSAH) has been described as a known triggering factor for parasomnias including sexsomnia. Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) has been the standard of treatment for OSAH but mandibular advancement devices (MAD) are becoming an important treatment alternative. We present the case of a patient with mild OSAH and sexsomnia who had resolution of both conditions with a MAD. This patient had the added uniqueness of having REM-predominant OSAH

Sexsomnia: A case of sleep masturbation documented by video-polysomnography in a young adult male with sleepwalking

The first case of video-polysomnography (vPSG) documented sleep masturbation in a male is reported, and the second reported case of shift work induced sexsomnia. A 20 y.o. soldier with childhood sleepwalking (SW) developed sleep masturbation and SW triggered by military shift work. vPSG documented two episodes of sleep masturbation from N2 sleep in the fourth sleep cycle and from N3 sleep during the fifth sleep cycle. There was no sleep-disordered breathing nor periodic limb movements. vPSG thus confirmed confusional arousals from NREM sleep as the cause of the masturbation. Bedtime clonazepam therapy controlled the SW but not the masturbation.