Are ‘Wet Dreams’ Normal and Healthy?

Your body doesn’t just turn off when you sleep. In fact, some areas may be noticeably up and active.

“Wet dreams,” or nocturnal emissions, are orgasms during sleep that happen without conscious control. They’re most common during puberty, and most noticeably for boys. (But girls can have them, too.)

So, why does this happen — and can anything be done to save sheets from an extra laundry cycle?

Here’s what Veronica Issac, MD, an adolescent reproductive health specialist, wants you to know.

Why do wet dreams start happening?

Rising hormone levels during puberty fuel the start of wet dreams. It often happens for the first time around the age of 12 or 13, though timing varies.

“It’s a normal and natural process that reflects the hormonal changes your body is experiencing,” reassures Dr. Issac. “For boys, they start having erections and ejaculation becomes possible — and that brings the potential for a wet dream.”

Basically, think of early wet dreams as the body testing out its updated equipment. Dr. Issac equates it to your body “practicing” during the downtime while it’s at rest.

Sexual thoughts can be behind a wet dream, but they don’t have to be. It could just happen. Friction from certain pajamas or from shifting around in your sleep may also trigger the process.

Researchers estimate that 70% to 90% of boys experience wet dreams — but it’s also perfectly normal to not have any nocturnal emissions.

Can adults have wet dreams?

Wet dreams typically become less common with age and the end of puberty, but adults can have them, too.

More regular ejaculation through sexual encounters and masturbation might also play a role in the declining frequency of wet dreams. “It starts to become more of an intended action,” notes Dr. Issac.

Females and wet dreams

Girls and women can also experience sexual arousal during sleep, which may include orgasms or increased vaginal lubrication. These uncontrolled experiences are usually less noticeable than what boys and men see.

“They’re less likely to be labeled a ‘wet dream,’” clarifies Dr. Issac. “It’s not quite the same phenomenon we see with guys.”

Managing wet dreams

Wet dreams happen, and there’s really nothing you can do to prevent them. So, it’s important to understand that nocturnal emissions are a healthy and normal function.

“If you have a wet dream, you shouldn’t think that something is wrong,” Dr. Issac emphasizes. “Wet dreams are often part of the male experience. It’s something that should be expected and normalized.”

If your child asks questions about nocturnal emission, give them honest answers. And don’t be timid about starting a conversation about wet dreams if you notice “evidence” of them in the laundry.

“It doesn’t have to be a whole lecture,” she notes. “Just leave the door open for a discussion if they want one.”

If you or your child is distressed about wet dreams, talk to a healthcare provider.

Wet dreams and hygiene

Ejaculation from a wet dream can be a bit messy. If you have a nocturnal emission, you may wake up to find your underwear and sheets a bit damp and sticky. No worries, though: It’s all cleanable.

Take off any clothing with semen on it and put it in the laundry or wash it off. Wipe off your bedding or — if need be — start a load of laundry.

Wash your penis and surrounding skin off with soap and water. Ditto for your hands. Then, dry off, put on some fresh clothes and go about your day.

If you frequently experience wet dreams, consider leaving tissues or wet cleansing wipes near your bed for quick cleanup at night.

Final thoughts

Wet dreams may be surprising, awkward or messy, but they’re a normal part of growing up for many people. They don’t mean anything is wrong. They’re usually just a sign that your body is moving through puberty and sexual development the way it’s designed to.

“The most important thing to understand is that wet dreams are normal,” reinforces Dr. Issac. “They can feel embarrassing, but they’re not unhealthy or something that anyone should worry about.”

If nocturnal emissions happen, the best response is usually simple: Clean up and carry on.