Cite this Response
Alice! Health Promotion. "What's normal when it comes to wet dreams?." Go Ask Alice!, Columbia University, 04 Mar. 2026, https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/whats-normal-when-it-comes-wet-dreams. Accessed 09, Mar. 2026.
Alice! Health Promotion. (2026, March 04). What's normal when it comes to wet dreams?. Go Ask Alice!, https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/whats-normal-when-it-comes-wet-dreams.
Dear Alice,
Are wet dreams in a sexually active 23-year-old male unusual?
—Voice HAS cracked
Dear Alice,
I only had about three to four "wet dreams" in my entire life and now I'm 20 years old. I wonder if it is normal, or it's because I masturbate often that I don't have these kinds of dreams. Is there a way of having one like that again?
— A Dreamer
Dear Alice,
I have a normal sex life with my wife (once or twice a week), but I have been having a problem lately. I have had about four wet dreams last year. I don't know why but I feel really bad about this. Is there something wrong with me? How can I stop this???
Feeling Helpless
Dear Voice HAS Cracked, A Dreamer, and Feeling Helpless,
Rest assured that wet dreams are not just the making of hormone monsters. Wet dreams are normal, can occur at any point in adulthood, and are usually no cause for concern. Keep reading to learn more!
What are wet dreams?
Wet dreams are involuntary, spontaneous orgasms that happen when you sleep. Wet dreams are also called nocturnal emissions. They’re most common in adolescent boys, but wet dreams can happen to anyone at any point in adulthood.
Why might you have wet dreams?
Wet dreams can’t be consciously or subconsciously controlled, so there are many potential reasons for them.
Adolescents tend to have more wet dreams than adults due to hormonal changes. That said, it’s possible to experience adolescence without having any wet dreams.
After adolescence, people become more sexually active, so wet dreams happen less often. However, they can still occur at any age. Wet dreams may be one way your body regulates hormones that keep your reproductive system healthy. Some people notice more wet dreams when they’re less sexually active. However, wet dreams can happen whether you’re sexually active or not. There’s no normal amount, as everyone is different.
How are wet dreams related to sexual dreams?
Wet dreams are different from sexual dreams. While wet dreams result in physical reactions, sexual dreams are about the content of your dream. Sexual dreams are also very common, where 70 to 89 percent of people report having at least one! That said, having a wet dream doesn’t always mean that you’ve had a sexual dream.
If you’re concerned about the content of your dreams, it may be helpful to reflect on what you’re dreaming about. For example, having a sexual dream about your partner can signal that you’re in a committed relationship. It's also completely normal if you don’t have sexual dreams about your partner. Sexual dreams ultimately allow you to explore aspects of your sexuality you may be interested in.
What are ways to manage wet dreams?
While you can’t control if you have wet dreams, there are things you can do to help manage them, such as getting regular sleep and managing stress. Some people find that masturbating before sleep, having more frequent sex, and not sleeping on their stomach helps reduce the number of wet dreams they have. As you figure out what works best for you, it might be helpful to have extra clothes or a towel nearby just in case.
If wet dreams are causing discomfort or distress, you may want to consider talking to a health care provider or mental health professional. They can help you manage these feelings and address any concerns you may have. Talking with your partner or trusted loved one may also help you navigate your concerns.
In the end, what each of you is experiencing — more or fewer wet dreams than expected — is quite normal. So, with that: sweet dreams!