What Causes Wet Dreams: Research-Backed Explanations and Implications
By Dr. Nayana Shetty +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nayana Shetty
Last updated: Apr 18, 2024Click to rate this article!
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By Dr. Nayana Shetty +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nayana Shetty
Last updated: Apr 18, 2024Table of Contents
Wet dreams are a common part of human sexual growth. They are experienced by both men and women. Most often tied with puberty, these unintentional orgasms during sleep may create confusion or even embarrassment for some. In this blog, we’ll delve into the proven reasons for wet dreams and their implications for a better understanding of human sexuality. Lastly, we will answer some commonly asked questions regarding wet dreams.
Wet dreams are quite common, especially during puberty, when our bodies go through hormonal changes. First, let’s understand what they are following which we will learn what causes them.
I’ve seen cases where unintentional sexual stimulation might result from stroking your genitalia as you sleep, whether with bed linens or by sleeping on your stomach. This might increase the possibility of having a wet dream.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD
Two main terms define wet dreams. They are nocturnal emissions and sleep orgasms. Both refer to unintentional orgasms occurring during sleep. These might or might not occur with ejaculation for males, or vaginal fluid secretion for females.
Nocturnal emissions are about semen release in men during sleep. This often goes hand in hand with an orgasm. Yet not always. It’s a usual part of sexual development, especially during puberty when hormone levels are fluctuating.
Sleep orgasms, on the other hand, cover the broader experience of orgasms during sleep for both sexes. Like nocturnal emissions, sleep orgasms are most often seen during puberty but may happen well into adulthood.
The occurrence of wet dreams peaks during puberty. That’s because our bodies go through major hormonal changes at this time.
Once men start producing testosterone, the male sex hormone, they usually begin to experience wet dreams. Testosterone levels go up during the teenage years, leading to a greater chance of nocturnal emissions as the body adapts to these hormonal shifts.
Estrogen production occurs during female puberty. This helps the growth and maturing of female reproductive organs and secondary sexual traits. Even with distinct hormonal changes between men and women, both sexes may experience wet dreams during puberty.
Researchers have found that watching TV might be connected to wet dreams. According to one study, teenage boys who viewed television for more than three hours a day experienced more wet dreams. Before any self-diagnosis, I recommend you consult your doctor and discuss the condition.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Many factors may bring about wet dreams. Some of these include hormonal changes, erotic dreams, the way we sleep, and daytime sexual arousal.
Hormonal changes matter a lot in the rate and occurrence of wet dreams.
For men, testosterone levels rise during puberty which causes a spike in nocturnal emissions. Once hormone levels are stable in adulthood, wet dreams usually occur less often.
Hormone levels in females, chiefly that of estrogen, are the culprit behind wet dreams. Higher estrogen levels during puberty result in wet dreams. In adulthood, these levels usually stabilize.
The kind of dreams we have may also affect our body’s response while we sleep. Sometimes, this may lead to a wet dream.
An erotic dream may set off a physical reaction in the body, ending in a wet dream. However, not every wet dream comes from an erotic dream. Other things, like the way we sleep, also come into play.
How we sleep may affect the likelihood of having a wet dream.
Sleeping on your stomach might increase the chance of a wet dream. This position may cause more genital stimulation due to contact with the bedding, leading to a wet dream.
Feeling sexually excited during the day may affect nighttime dreams and cause wet dreams.
High daytime sexual arousal, like having sexual fantasies or viewing erotic material, may lead to more intense and frequent wet dreams. Heightened arousal may spill over into sleep and result in more wet dreams.
Your genes and your lifestyle may also shape the frequency and occurrence of wet dreams.
Some individuals might be genetically more prone to having wet dreams. As a result, these people may have more wet dreams than others, regardless of other factors.
Your lifestyle, such as stress levels, diet, and how you sleep, may also influence how often you have wet dreams. Taking good care of your mental and physical health may help lower the chance of experiencing wet dreams.
Women may also have wet dreams. However, how wet dreams show up in women differs from men.
Much like men, women may also experience sleep orgasms too. However, their response is different.
Unlike men, who mostly ejaculate during sleep orgasms, women might not show any clear signs of a wet dream. They might, however, have wetter vaginas or release a clear fluid known as “female ejaculate” during their sleep orgasm.
How often wet dreams happen in women may vary from person to person.
There are many myths surrounding wet dreams. These may cause confusion and wrong impressions. Let’s look at some common myths and the facts.
Myth: Wet dreams lower male sperm count.
Fact: They do not. Instead, they help the testicles get rid of old sperm and support the creation of new, healthy sperm.
Myth: Wet dreams weaken a person’s defense against illnesses and infections.
Fact: Wet dreams do not weaken the body’s immune system. They are a healthy and natural part of sexual development.
Myth: Wet dreams indicate illness or an underlying health problem.
Fact: Wet dreams do not signal poor health or disease. Contrarily, they are a normal and healthy part of human sexual development.
Myth: More masturbation can stop wet dreams.
Fact: While more sexual activity, including masturbation, might lessen the frequency of wet dreams, it’s not clear if they can stop them altogether.
Myth: Wet dreams cause your penis to shrink.
Fact: There is no scientific base for the claim that wet dreams reduce penis size. Wet dreams are a healthy and natural part of sexual development with no effect on penis size.
While wet dreams are a natural part of human sexual growth, some people might find them embarrassing or uncomfortable. Here are some tips for dealing with wet dreams which are as follows.
After a wet dream, you must clean yourself and any affected spots like your underwear or bed sheets. This may stop discomfort, smells, or stains.
Wet dreams might come with embarrassment, especially in shared living spaces. It’s vital to remember that they’re a normal part of human sexual growth. Thus, there’s no need to feel embarrassed or guilty.
One key step for coping with wet dreams is to understand how normal they are. They are common among both adolescents and adults. Thus, they should not be seen as a sign of sexual deviation or lack of self-control.
There’s no sure way to stop or bring on wet dreams, there are steps individuals may take to control the rate or occurrence of them to some extent.
Although it’s hard to completely stop wet dreams, a healthy lifestyle i.e., a balanced diet, regular workouts, getting better sleep, and implementing relaxation techniques like yoga, breathing exercises, meditation, and muscle relaxation techniques may support overall mental and physical health. This might lessen the chance of having wet dreams.
If you want more chances of having a wet dream, try different sleeping positions (like sleeping on your stomach) and think more about sex or watch erotic content before bedtime; this may contribute to inducing wet dreams.
Also Read: What Causes Morning Wood: A Scientific Explanation
To conclude, wet dreams are a natural part of human sexual growth. Both men and women may experience them. They’re most common during puberty due to hormonal shifts but can continue into adulthood under certain conditions. Many factors contribute to the occurrence of wet dreams, such as hormonal shifts, erotic dreams, sleeping styles, and daytime sexual arousal. It’s critical to understand that while wet dreams may confuse or embarrass some, they are normal and should not worry anyone.
By accepting wet dreams as a natural event, people may feel more at ease talking about them openly and seeking help or advice when needed.
How often wet dreams happen varies a lot between individuals. Factors like hormonal changes, how we sleep, and daytime sexual arousal may affect this.
No, both sexes can experience wet dreams, including women.
No, wet dreams are a normal and healthy part of human sexuality. They don’t signify any underlying health issues.
It’s hard to completely stop wet dreams. However, a healthy lifestyle and relaxation techniques may help lower their frequency.
Wet dreams are a natural part of human sexual growth, but not everyone might experience them. Factors like genetics, hormone levels, and lifestyle play a part in this.
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