Sexual hypnagogic hallucinations and narcolepsy with cataplexy: a case report
Fernando Morgadinho Santos Coelho, Alexander Moszczynski, Marc Narayansingh, Neal Parekh, Marcia Pradella-Hallinan
Sleep Science September 1, 2011 DOI: 10.1055/s-0046-1819685 (opens in new tab)
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractA narcoleptic patient experienced sexual hypnagogic hallucinations accompanied by out-of-body experiences. While the link between narcolepsy and unusual sexual behaviors is known, few reports detail the distressing nature of such vivid hallucinations. This case highlights an embarrassing and complex symptom that can occur in narcolepsy, involving both sexual content and a sense of detachment from one's own body.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | A narcoleptic patient |
| Key finding | A narcoleptic patient had sexual hypnagogic hallucinations associated with out-of-body experiences. |
Abstract
ABSTRACT Sexual behavior can be associated with several stages of sleep, including both non-rapid eye movement and rapid eye movement stages of sleep. In narcoleptic patients, orgasmic cataplexy, or orgasmolepsy, and sexual hypnagogic hallucinations can be present. Although the association between narcolepsy and sexual behaviors has already been described, few reports describe the embarrassing circumstances for narcoleptic patients after vivid experiences during complex sexual hypnagogic hallucinations. This report describes an interesting case of a narcoleptic patient with sexual hypnagogic hallucinations associated with out-of-body experiences.