Download Article
Download Article
Sex dreams are normal, but it’s not always clear what they’re saying. If you’ve ever woken up from one with more questions than answers, we’re here to help. We’ll cover the main reasons people fantasize in their sleep—plus, we’ll unpack the meanings behind the most common sex dreams. To interpret your sex dreams and learn more about what you’re subconsciously seeking, read on.
Steps
Section 1 of 2:
Why do I have sex dreams?
-
Sex dreams are totally normal and usually symbolic. No matter what happened in your dream, you don't need to feel ashamed or guilty. Most people have sex dreams—in fact, up to 70% of people report that they'd had one. A sex dream is simply a sign of your brain working through all your thoughts. [1] X Research source
- For example, if you dream of an act you find taboo, you might just crave the freedom associated with it.
-
Sex dreams might reveal emotions you’re trying to work through. Frequently, dreams about sex connect to feelings that aren't related to lust. For example, if you’ve struggled to feel connected to your partner, you may fantasize about infidelity. Your dreams offer important insight about your psychological well being and help you reflect on it. [2] X Research sourceAdvertisement
-
Your sex dreams may highlight your wishes or your needs. Sex dreams can also be vivid representations of what you feel is missing in your life or what you’re really craving. You might even picture a tryst with an authority figure if you want to be respected in your field. Interpreting sex dreams can be a great practice for realizing what would make you happier. [3] X Research source
-
You may have a sex dream about someone if you admire them. If you experience a lot of emotional intimacy with someone or if you highly respect them, then it’s natural you’ll think about them a lot. They may even show up in one of your sex dreams, but it’s usually just a sign that you want someone to look up to. [4] X Research source
-
A sex dream may hint at a resolution to an issue in your life. If you need an answer to a question, sex dreams may be a subconscious way of giving yourself a "wake up" call. For instance, if you have recurrent fantasies about being in control, then you may need to focus on self-empowerment or speaking up for yourself. [5] X Research source
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Tips
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about dreams, check out our in-depth interview with .
References
- ↑ https://www.sleepfoundation.org/dreams/dream-interpretation/dreaming-about-sex
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/dreamscape/201804/dreaming-about-sex
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/out-the-ooze/201801/the-freudian-symbolism-in-your-dreams
- ↑ https://www.womansday.com/relationships/sex-tips/a1237/6-common-sex-dreamsdecoded-102654/
- ↑ https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/QJgmLNSRmVhDJXpvlp5QVx/could-your-dreams-help-you-solve-problems
- ↑ https://www.sleepfoundation.org/dreams/dream-interpretation/dreaming-about-sex
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/meet-catch-and-keep/202102/what-happens-if-you-dream-about-your-partner-or-ex
- ↑ https://jungpage.org/learn/articles/analytical-psychology/95-dreams-of-sex-and-the-sex-of-dreams
- ↑ https://thepleasantdream.com/sex-dream/
- ↑ https://www.self.com/story/decoding-your-sex-dreams
- ↑ https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/sex-dream-meaning
- ↑ https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/life/sex-and-relationships/the-most-common-sex-dreams-meaning-423880
- ↑ https://edwardtraversa.com/the-meaning-of-houses-in-dreams/
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-myths-sex/201807/the-deeper-psychological-meaning-behind-your-sex-fantasies
- ↑ https://www.emandlo.com/dream-interpretation-i-keep-dreaming-of-orgies/
- ↑ https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/life/sex-and-relationships/sex-dream-meanings-675243
- ↑ https://www.wellbeing.com.au/mind-spirit/spirituality/sex-dreams-meaning.html
- ↑ https://www.vice.com/en/article/pkbyk9/what-does-dreaming-about-cheating-mean
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/understanding-dreams/202106/dreams-sexual-assault-fighting-back-when-you-feel-powerless
About This Article
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 32,700 times.
Advertisement