"One man actually tried to strangle his wife while on the throes of one of these disturbances. Another victim tried to stop the behavior by using restraints. He broke two fingers while attempting, in his sleep, to escape. " Sex apnea is treatable . Some people both men and women have been putting themselves and others at risk for years. The disturbances have gone unreported because of fear and embarrassment. Many sufferers believe that nothing can be done, but the disorder can be treated. Sex apnea can be treated with Valium or even treatment used for people with sleep breathing problems.
Recently, Dr. Michael Mangan wrote the first and only book about sleep sex, Sleepsex: Uncovered . The author discusses how people feel about the problem, possible causes and dangers - for instance, legal implications. Some people have been falsely accused of rape and assault while in the throes of an attack of sleepsex. "Currently sleepsex has not been classified as a unique type of sleep disorder." He goes on to explain that it is, in fact, a variant of sleepwalking. Sleepwalking is classified as an arousal disorder, and, more generally, as a parasomnia. He covers the negative experience and the positive experience including another look at the dark and bright sides of the disorder. Finally, he has some suggestions as to things one can do about sleepsex.
Dr. Simone O'Gorman is currently putting together an international documentary on sleep sex. The world’s leading experts on this sleep disorder have agreed to be involved in what will be a scientifically accurate investigation into sexual behavior that occurs in sleep. Some people seem to enjoy it and view it with a sense of humor. However, it can be disturbing, annoying, embarrassing and is a potentially serious problem for some couples and individuals.
Cosmo would benefit greatly from a story about sex apnea. It would be an eye opening experience for its audience about a disorder that often gets swept under the rug. The article would be featured in the Health Check section of the magazine under real-world stories of Cosmo's readers. The sex apnea article would appeal to all ages because it is a health concern that has very little research done to educate the general public. Readers would also have the opportunity to purchase Dr. Mangan's book and participate in Dr. O'Gorman's documentary on sleep sex. The article would also feature multimedia options to further interest the reader including:
- Video Clips of an interview with sex apnea expert Dr. Mangan
- Bios on individuals suffering from sex apnea
- Online poll: Do you believe sex apnea is a diagnosed and treatable disorder?
- A link to purchase Dr. Mangan's book Sleepsex: Undiscovered
- A link to participate in Dr. Simone O'Gorman's international documentary on sleep sex
