What do sexual dreams mean?

Dreams have been the center of psychological study and fascination. Dreams can be calming, comforting, frightening or confusing. They can also affect your sleep.

We spend an average of two hours a night dreaming, but we very rarely remember the dreams we have. Although most dreams occur during the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep, they can occur during any stage of the sleep cycle.

While adults dream quite often, not everyone experiences sexual dreams. Scientific research does not go so far as to explore specific sex dreams, but many therapists and psychologists have their own theories about the meaning of sex dreams.

Why do I have sex dreams?

While the neurological aspects of dreams are extensively researched, less research has been conducted to explore the content and meaning of various types of dreams. That said, there are many theories about the role dreams play in the human psyche. Some theorists believe that dreams allow us to represent potential scenarios or help our brains to map and store memories. Other researchers suggest that dreams are a way of dealing with traumatic or stressful events5.

Are sexual dreams normal?

Sexual dreams are considered normal. They are also quite common. More than 70% of people report having had a sex dream at least once in their lives. Even if the content of the dream is unnerving – for example, a dream of sleeping with your boss or cheating on your partner – it doesn't necessarily mean that something is wrong. In fact, most people dream about those they recognize, so it's normal to have dreams about people you interact with frequently.

What do sexual dreams mean?

Unfortunately, there is limited research on the meaning of sex dreams. The meaning of dreams can be difficult to study because dreams are subjective to the person experiencing them and are not always easy to remember upon waking.

Psychologists and researchers have been theorizing about sex dreams since Sigmund Freud in the early 19th century, however. Freud believed that dreams were the conscious and subconscious parts of the mind that organized themselves during sleep. While there are no clear answers about the meaning of sex dreams, there are some common theories.

Common sexual dreams

Although everyone experiences the dream differently, there are some themes that are commonly present in sex dreams:

⦁ Sex with an ex-partner

It is common for people in a relationship to dream about their current or former partners. These types of dreams can be part of processing a current relationship or grieving a past relationship. Single people looking for a relationship are less likely to dream about people they had a relationship with.

⦁ Sex with a stranger

Dreaming about sex with a stranger could simply be a sign of a healthy libido and normal sexual arousal. If you or a partner dreams of having sex with a stranger, this is not necessarily indicative of cheating or a desire to cheat.

⦁ Cheating on your partner

While dreams that include infidelity may not be a direct reflection of your life, they could correspond to feelings of jealousy or lack of intimacy in your current relationship. It may be helpful to discuss possible concerns with your partner.

⦁ Sex with an authority figure

If you dream about your teacher or boss, a sexual dream about a person in authority over you could indicate that you are seeking approval from someone responsible.

How ​​to understand your dreams

Analyzing your dreams can offer insights into your everyday life. Recording your dreams can help you recognize patterns and process different emotions. If you are curious to decipher your dreams, we recommend that you register. You can even take these dreams to therapy, you will understand a lot about yourself.