What a wet dream is
A wet dream, or nocturnal emission, is when someone has an orgasm while asleep. For people with a penis, it usually means ejaculating in their sleep; people often wake up to find damp sheets or underwear.
They are often linked to a sexual dream, but not always: some people do not remember dreaming at all.
Wet dreams are a normal part of sexual development and are nothing to be embarrassed about.
Why they happen
They are most common during puberty, when hormone levels rise sharply. The body is also naturally aroused during REM sleep, which is why morning erections are common too.
They can happen more often after a long time without ejaculating, but they are not simply the body "clearing out" sperm, and having sex or masturbating does not always stop them.
Stress, some medicines and changes in routine can all make them more or less frequent.
Who has them, and how often
Most teenage boys have wet dreams, and they usually become less frequent with age. Adults can still have them, especially during periods without sex.
Women and people with a vulva can also have orgasms during sleep. These are less obvious, but surveys suggest a large share of women have experienced one.
There is no "normal" number: some people have them often, some rarely and some never. All are fine.
Dealing with them
There is nothing to stop or treat: they are harmless. Keep a spare set of underwear nearby, and just wash the sheets as normal.
If you are a parent, talking calmly about wet dreams before puberty means your child will not be worried or embarrassed.
If they are happening very often and causing distress, or come with pain, speak to a GP. Our guide to sexual health clinics lists free, confidential services.
Your questions, answered
Are wet dreams normal?
Yes, they are a normal part of sexual development and can happen at any age.
Can women have wet dreams?
Yes, people of any sex can have orgasms during sleep.
Can you stop wet dreams?
There is no reliable way and no need: they are harmless.
