Somnophilia is a condition in which one experiences sexual arousal in response to a sleeping or unconscious person. It is a type of paraphilia; a sexual interest in uncommon objects, people, or situations. The name is derived from the Latin word “somnus,” meaning sleep, and the Greek word “philia,” meaning love. It is also known as the “sleeping beauty syndrome.”
A person with somnophilia may attempt to cause an unconscious state by drugging their victim, or by taking advantage of an individual who is intoxicated or in a deep sleep. A person with somnophilia is ultimately aroused by the fact that their sexual partner is unable to oppose their advances. Symptoms of somnophilia include frequent thoughts and excessive fantasizing while thinking about or when near those who are unconscious or unresponsive. Other symptoms of somnophilia include overt sexual desire and sexual behavior with the unconscious.
Diagnosing Somnophilia
Somnophilia is diagnosed when it is deemed that there is significant impairment, usually resulting when a sexual act is performed without the consent of the other partner.
Psychologist, John Money, linked somnophilia with necrophilia, or sexual arousal or intercourse involving corpses, in the late 1900s. Money believed that somnophilia and necrophilia were separate entities, but suggested that somnophilia had the potential of turning into necrophilia. Other theorists believe that somnophilia is a type of necrophilia in that both conditions involve sexual attraction with those who are unconscious and non-consenting.
In 1972, psychologists Dr. Calef and Dr. Weinshel published an article in the International Journal of Psychoanalysis that donned somnophilia as “Sleeping Beauty Syndrome.” This article suggested that somnophilia was a “neurotic equivalent” of necrophilia. The biggest difference between somnophilia and necrophilia is that individuals who meet the diagnostic criteria for somnophilia are only interested in individuals who are still alive.
Treatment Options for Somnophilia
Treatment is usually unnecessary unless the behavior is deemed criminal, harmful, or if legal trouble results. Treatment options can include hypnosis, behavioral therapy, and 12-step programs. Other treatment interventions include talk therapy, orgasmic reconditioning, or group therapy. Medications are not commonly prescribed for this condition and are never the primary source of treatment. However, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, or other medications may be helpful as a secondary course of treatment.
Looking Ahead
Somnophilia remains shrouded in mystery, primarily due to a dearth of research and formalized studies. A more comprehensive comprehension of the origins, associated risk factors, and progression of somnophilia can only be achieved through further investigation. Those individuals who suspect they may be grappling with somnophilia and observe it driving them toward harmful actions are strongly advised to seek guidance from a mental health expert.
Sources:
- Levine, S. B., Risen, C. B., & Althof, S. E. (1990). Essay on the diagnosis and nature of paraphilia. Journal of sex & marital therapy, 16(2), 89–102. https://doi.org/10.1080/00926239008405255
- Deehan, E. T., & Bartels, R. M. (2021). Somnophilia: Examining Its Various Forms and Associated Constructs. Sexual abuse: a journal of research and treatment, 33(2), 200–222. https://doi.org/10.1177/1079063219889060
- Svein, O. (2018). Somnophilia and the sleeping beauty syndrome – the unknown patterns of arousal. Journal of Psychology & Clinical Psychiatry, 9(4). https://doi.org/10.15406/jpcpy.2018.09.00560
- Deehan, E. T., & Bartels, R. M. (2021). Somnophilia: Examining Its Various Forms and Associated Constructs. Sexual abuse: a journal of research and treatment, 33(2), 200–222. https://doi.org/10.1177/1079063219889060
- Lauerma H. (2016). Somnophilia and Sexual Abuse Using Vaginal Administration of Triazolam. Journal of Forensic Sciences, 61(3), 862–863. https://doi.org/10.1111/1556-4029.13050
- Suppe F. (1984). Classifying sexual disorders: the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association. Journal of Homosexuality, 9(4), 9–28. https://doi.org/10.1300/J082v09n04_02
- Woodworth, M., Freimuth, T., Hutton, E. L., Carpenter, T., Agar, A. D., & Logan, M. (2013). High-risk sexual offenders: an examination of sexual fantasy, sexual paraphilia, psychopathy, and offense characteristics. International journal of law and psychiatry, 36(2), 144–156. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijlp.2013.01.007
- Knafo D. (2015). For the Love of Death: Somnophilic and Necrophilic Acts and Fantasies. Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association, 63(5), 857–886. https://doi.org/10.1177/0003065115606132
Tracy is a Licensed Professional Counselor and is a clinical supervisor for a Community YMCA. Tracy has over 12 years of experience working in many settings including partial care hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs, community agencies, group practice, and school-based programs. Tracy works with clients of all ages, but especially enjoys working with the adolescents.