completely unconscious and unaware of their actions. Causes Symptoms of sexsomnia can be caused by or be associated with: stress factors sleep deprivation consumption of alcohol or other drugs pre-existing parasomnia behaviors Sleep deprivation is known to have negative effects on the brain and behavior. Extended periods of sleep deprivation often results in the malfunctioning of neurons, directly affecting an individual's behavior. While muscles are able to regenerate even in the absence of sleep, neurons are incapable of this ability. Specific stages of sleep are responsible for the regeneration of neurons while others are responsible for the generation of new synaptic connections, the formation of new memories, etc. Sexsomnia can also be triggered by physical contact initiated by a partner or another individual sharing the same bed. Risk factors Sexsomnia affects individuals of all age groups and backgrounds but present as an increased risk for individuals who experience the following: coexisting sleep disorders sleep disruption secondary to obstructive sleep apnea sleep related epilepsy certain medications Behaviors such as pelvic thrusting, sexual arousal, and orgasm are often attributed to sleep-related epilepsy disorder. In some cases, physical contact with a partner in bed has been seen to trigger sexsomia behaviors. Certain medications, including the sedative-hypnotic Zolpidem (commonly known by the brand name Ambien) frequently used to treat insomnia, have been seen to increase risk of sexsomnia as an adverse effect. Like sleep-related eating disorders, sexsomnia presents more commonly in adults than children. However, these adult individuals usually have a history of parasomnia that began in childhood. Effects It is possible for an individual who has sexsomnia to experience a variety of negative emotions due to the nature of their disorder. The following are commonly seen secondary effects of sexsomnia: Anger Confusion Denial Frustration Guilt Revulsion Shame The effects of sexsomnia also extend to those in relationship with the patient. Whether the significant other is directly involved, in the case of sexual intercourse, or a bystander, in the case of masturbation behavior, they are often the first to recognize the abnormal behavior. These abnormal sexual behaviors may be unwanted by the partner, which could lead to the incident being defined as sexual assault. Mechanism NREM sleep Non-Rapid Eye Movement sleep, or NREM, consists of three stages. Stage 1 is described as "drowsy sleep" or "somnolence" and is characterized by breathing rates becoming increasingly more consistent, the beginning of a decrease in muscle activity,