A wet dream is a spontaneousorgasmduring sleep that is typically associated with erotic images and thoughts.
These so-called nocturnal emissions can also happen because of hormone levels and even light stimulation of the genitals.
They dont happen to everyone but are a perfectly normal occurrence.
Illustration by Lara Antal for Verywell Health
This article explains what happens during wet dreams and what causes them.
It also provides tips for how to stop wet dreams and how to cleansemenfrom your sheets.
Illustration by Lara Antal for Verywell Health
What Happens During a Wet Dream?
At other times, an orgasm during a wet dream can be intense enough to awaken a person.
A wet dream is different from “sexsomnia.”
Nocturnal emissions are more common during the teenage years because sex hormones are surging.
They are also more common during periods of prolonged sexual abstinence.
Wet dreams tend to occur less frequently with age but do continue beyond puberty.
Not everyone experiences a wet dream.
What Causes a Wet Dream?
During sleep, the blood flow to your sexual organs may be increased.
For males, this can lead to anerection(hard-on).
Nocturnal emissions differ in that orgasm occurs during a wet dream.
The underlying cause is unknown but there are several theories.
Among them:
Wet dreams have also been linked to watching TV.
Are Frequent Wet Dreams Normal?
Wet dreams are normal and natural.
If you frequently have them, thats normal too.
Theyre not harmful to your health, and theyre not a signal that you have an underlying problem.
One way is to have more sex or engage in more frequent masturbation that ends with orgasm and ejaculation.
This mayrelieve the need for males to ejaculateduring sleep.
Reducing contact with the genitals might also be helpful.
Try sleeping on your side or back instead of your stomach to see if it helps.
you’re free to also try wearing pajama bottoms instead of sleeping in the nude.
In the rare cases that wet dreams are troublesome, a doctor might prescribe a medication such as anantidepressant.
If the stain is fresh, rinse the area with cold water before washing normally.
For older stains, use a soft brush to scrub away any crust.
Then blot the stain with a product containing enzymes before washing normally.
If your sheets are wool or silk, you might mix lukewarm water and a mild detergent before washing.
Summary
Wet dreams occur when you ejaculate while sleeping, sometimes as a response to sexual dreams.
Wet dreams can be a healthy and normal part of sleep.
Aside from the need to clean up clothing or bedding, theres no particular problem with them.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you have concerns or questions about your wet dreams.
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