Baby conceived while father was asleep

A couple who had been trying for a baby for 18 months were astonished to discover their son was conceived while the father was asleep.

Father Ryan Harris, 28, believes he suffers from sexsomnia, a type of sleep disorder where people engage in sexual activity while asleep and have no recollection of their actions.

Ryan and Dee Harris kept a record of the times they had sex while trying for a baby. They were about to start fertility treatment when they realised Mrs Harris was pregnant.

Mrs Harris, 25, told the Daily Mail newspaper: "When I look back, it was clear I'd conceived on the night we'd had 'sleep sex' as we call it, which means when I'm half awake and Ryan is actually totally asleep. We both had a laugh when we realised."

The couple, who have been together for nine years, realised that Mr Harris must have the rare sleep disorder after watching a TV programme about sexsomnia.

Early on in their relationship, it became apparent that, on occasions, Mr Harris had no recollection of what had happened the night before.

Mrs Harris had been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome, and knew she may have trouble conceiving.

Now they are the proud parents of a healthy 16-month-old son, Lincoln.

Mr Harris said: "Trying for a baby was very stressful. We became robots and it was like a job basically.

"It was such a relief when Dee found out she was pregnant. We were both really pleased. I think sleep sex definitely had something to do with it. I didn't even know it was happening. It was spur of the moment."

This article was published on Wed 19 October 2011