Can someone engage in sexual activity while they're sound asleep and have absolutely no memory of it the next morning? Surprisingly, the answer is yes.

It's called sexsomnia, sometimes referred to as sleep sex, and it's a real, medically recognized sleep disorder that can leave people feeling confused, embarrassed, and even frightened.

In this episode of The Self Help Briefing, Mike and Jen explore the unusual world of sexsomnia, a type of parasomnia in which people engage in sexual behaviors while sleeping. From nighttime masturbation to initiating intimacy without conscious awareness, this condition raises important questions about sleep, relationships, and personal boundaries.

And while the subject might sound unusual, the consequences for individuals and their partners can be serious.

🎙️ In This Episode:

• What sexsomnia is and how it differs from sexual dreams

• Why someone might engage in sexual behavior while completely asleep

• Common signs and symptoms of sexsomnia

• How stress, exhaustion, alcohol, and disrupted sleep can trigger episodes

• Why sexsomnia can create confusion and relationship difficulties

• The importance of consent, safety, and understanding

• How sleep specialists diagnose and treat this unusual condition

💡 Something to Remember

Sexsomnia isn't simply an overactive sex drive or a reflection of someone's sexual desires. It's a sleep-related condition involving behaviors that occur outside conscious awareness. Understanding what's happening is an important first step toward getting appropriate help and protecting everyone involved.

📚 Learn More

Medical News Today — Sexsomnia: What to Know About Sleep Sex

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320448

🎧 About This Episode

Join Mike and Jen for a fascinating conversation about one of the lesser-known sleep disorders and why understanding the connection between sleep and sexual behavior matters.

Because sometimes, what happens in the bedroom isn't quite what it seems.

If you enjoyed today's conversation, be sure to follow The Self Help Briefing on your favorite podcast platform. And if you have a moment, we'd really appreciate a quick review. It helps other listeners discover the show.

You can visit the podcast at www.theselfhelpbriefing.com to check out our latest episodes or to make contact.

The Self Help Briefing may include affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, the podcast may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are selected because we believe they may be useful or relevant to the topic being discussed.

The Self Help Briefing is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Nothing discussed on the podcast should be considered medical, psychological, mental health, legal, or other professional advice. If you have concerns about your physical or mental health, please consult an appropriately qualified professional.

The Self Help Briefing is a production of G Digital Studios. Episodes may be developed from sources available online. Episode artwork may be created using Adobe Firefly or other royalty-free sources. Articles, books, and other resources discussed in an episode are credited and linked in the show notes when applicable. Voiceovers are generated using synthesized audio.

Are You Going Broke for Your Adult Child?

Are you paying your adult child’s rent, car payment, or other bills while your own retirement savings take a back seat? Helping an adult son or daughter can come from a place of love, but when temporary assistance becomes an ongoing financial arrangement, it may put your own future at risk.

In this episode of The Self Help Briefing with Mike and Jen, we explore the difficult line between supporting an adult child and enabling financial dependence. We also look at how enmeshment, guilt, fear, and family expectations can make setting boundaries especially difficult.

Mike and Jen discuss why financial boundaries don’t mean abandoning your child, how couples can get caught on opposite sides of the issue, and why helping an adult child become more independent may ultimately be more valuable than continuing to write checks.

• The difference between support and enabling
• Why financial help can quietly become a long-term arrangement
• How enmeshment can make boundaries difficult
• Protecting your retirement and financial future
• How supporting an adult child can create conflict between couples
• Setting clear boundaries with a realistic end date
• Helping an adult child build independence without withdrawing love

“I don't have to assume responsibility for my adult child's finances. I can embrace focusing on my own future and it doesn't mean I love my child any less.”

Failure to Launch: Why Your Twentysomething Hasn't Grown Up...and What to Do About It By Dr. Mark McConville See Amazon for price

I've Been Paying My Adult Son's Rent and Now I Have No Retirement – WTF Should I Do? Couples Counseling Chicago

If you enjoyed today's conversation, be sure to follow The Self Help Briefing on your favorite podcast platform. And if you have a moment, we'd really appreciate a quick review. It helps other listeners discover the show.

You can visit the podcast at www.theselfhelpbriefing.com to check out our latest episodes or to make contact.

The Self Help Briefing may include affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, the podcast may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are selected because we believe they may be useful or relevant to the topic being discussed.

The Self Help Briefing is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Nothing discussed on the podcast should be considered medical, psychological, mental health, legal, or other professional advice. If you have concerns about your physical or mental health, please consult an appropriately qualified professional.

The Self Help Briefing is a production of G Digital Studios. Episodes may be developed from sources available online. Episode artwork may be created using Adobe Firefly or other royalty-free sources. Articles, books, and other resources discussed in an episode are credited and linked in the show notes when applicable. Voiceovers are generated using synthesized audio.

How do you cope with grief after losing someone you love? Grief can bring sadness, anger, guilt, confusion, exhaustion, loneliness, and even moments of relief—and there isn't one right way to experience it.

In this episode of The Self Help Briefing, Mike and Jen explore how to cope with grief and loss, including ways to work through difficult emotions, care for yourself, stay connected with others, and remember someone you've lost without feeling like you have to simply “move on.”

They also talk about why grief doesn't follow a predictable timeline, how memories can unexpectedly bring emotions rushing back, and why support can sometimes look different depending on your family, culture, community, and relationships.

• Why grief can feel unpredictable
• Coping with sadness, anger, guilt, and other emotions
• Why grief doesn't follow a simple timeline
• Remembering and honoring someone you've lost
• Taking care of yourself while grieving
• Exercise, connection, and social support
• How community can influence the grieving experience
• Why some gay men may experience different support systems around grief
• Learning to live with loss without leaving someone behind

The Grieving Brain: The Surprising Science of How We Learn from Love and Loss — Mary-Frances O'Connor, PhD

Psychologist and neuroscientist Mary-Frances O'Connor explores what happens in the brain when we lose someone we're deeply attached to and why adapting to that person's absence can take time.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4qPNWCy

Overcoming Grief: How to Cope With Loss

Learn more about grief, coping with loss, self-care, support, and ways of navigating the grieving process.

The Recovery Village: https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/mental-health/grief/overcoming-grief/

Grief can sometimes be complicated by relationships, family dynamics, social support, and experiences unique to LGBTQ+ communities. This resource explores grief and loss specifically for gay men.

Chicago Therapists: Gay men and grief by Chicago therapists

If you enjoyed today's conversation, be sure to follow The Self Help Briefing on your favorite podcast platform. And if you have a moment, we'd really appreciate a quick review. It helps other listeners discover the show.

You can visit the podcast at www.theselfhelpbriefing.com to check out our latest episodes or to make contact.

The Self Help Briefing may include affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, the podcast may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are selected because we believe they may be useful or relevant to the topic being discussed.

The Self Help Briefing is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Nothing discussed on the podcast should be considered medical, psychological, mental health, legal, or other professional advice. If you have concerns about your physical or mental health, please consult an appropriately qualified professional.

The Self Help Briefing is a production of G Digital Studios. Episodes may be developed from sources available online. Episode artwork may be created using Adobe Firefly or other royalty-free sources. Articles, books, and other resources discussed in an episode are credited and linked in the show notes when applicable. Voiceovers are generated using synthesized audio.