Raise your hand if you've ever had erotic dreams. 

If you have, that’s not surprising — humans think about sex a lot, so it makes sense that it's on your mind overnight, too. Once in a while, a sex dream can be so good (or so awkward) that it feels like real life. And you may even wish it was when you wake up.  

If you're on a mission to recreate that super hot scene from last week's snooze or turn your sex dreams from weird to whoa, lucid dreaming is your friend. Here's how to have a sexual dream.    

What are sexual dreams? 

Sexual dreams are super common, and you've probably had a few. These dreams, erotic in nature, range from simple sexual imagery to complex sexual scenarios or fantasies. They can involve strangers, celebrities, or people you know — and when it comes to the latter, it can be just about anyone (no matter how awkward).  

Some suggest sex dreams result from subconscious desires, while others believe they’re the result of random neural firings during sleep. There's a specific phenomenon called “sexual lucid dreaming” where the dreamer knows they're dreaming and can control or participate in the dream at will. Wild, right? 

While some people have spontaneous sexual lucid dreams, it may actually be a cultivable skill. But whether random or intentional, sexual dreaming is a healthy part of human psychology worth embracing.  

The nature of sexual dreams  

Sexual dreams are part of being human. They often start at the onset of puberty and continue well into adulthood — and for many, they never stop. Sex dreams can be exciting, mysterious, thrilling, or even uncomfortable, but they're totally normal no matter how they leave you feeling. They can even cause you to become sexually aroused and achieve orgasm or ejaculation (nocturnal emission) while you're asleep.  

Just like our waking thoughts, our dreams can explore a wide range of subjects and emotions within the realm of sexuality. Whether spurred by desire, fantasy, or the subconscious, sexual dreams are a glimpse into a deeply personal aspect of who we are. 

What do sexual dreams mean? 

Sexual dreams have intrigued scholars, therapists, and dream enthusiasts alike for centuries. This has led to myriad interpretations: Are they windows into hidden fantasies, or a form of trauma processing? Other theories suggest sexual dreams reveal aspects of your personality or expose doubts and insecurities about yourself or your relationships.  

Sex dreams are subjective, and their meanings can range from frivolous to deeply personal. This often depends on the dream's emotions and circumstances and how you feel when you wake up. After a sexual dream, do you wake up feeling excited? Uncomfortable? Or even still aroused? Use these feelings as valuable tools for self-discovery.  

How to have a sexual dream  

Sexual lucid dreaming is a unique experience that allows the dreamer to participate in their dream, essentially directing the show. While there's no definitive method guaranteed to induce these slumbering visions, here are a few potential strategies for how to have a wet dream, just in case: 

Visualize your ideal erotic dream  

Indulge in some visualization to prepare your mind. While awake, try fantasizing about your perfect sexual dream, exploring your body, wearing lingerie, or engaging in sexual activity like masturbating (vibrator optional). Engaging in activities that arouse you may help set the stage for your dream. 

Try the MILD or SSILD lucid dreaming techniques 

The MILD and SSILD methods of inducing lucid dreaming aim to boost awareness within your dream state (more on this below). This may help you learn how to control what you're dreaming about. Work on mastering these techniques to make your sexual lucid dreaming even more exciting.  

What’s the mnemonic induction of lucid dreams (MILD) technique? 

To practice this lucid dreaming technique, set an alarm when you fall asleep to wake up five hours later. At this point, REM sleep is likely, and this is when dreams occur. 

When you wake up, repeat a mantra to yourself. Choose something along the lines of "When I go back to sleep and start dreaming, I will know that I'm dreaming." This helps you internalize your intention of recognizing your dream state. Next, visualize yourself experiencing a lucid dream, vividly immersing yourself in the scenario.  

As you fall back asleep, this combination of stimulation (intention and visualization) may help guide you into a lucid dream. 

What’s the senses initiated lucid dream (SSILD) technique? 

Like the MILD method, this lucid dreaming technique starts with sleeping for about five hours. When you wake up, concentrate on your surroundings' different sights, sounds, smells, and sensations, like the feel of your bedding. Practice this mindful attention, which replaces the mantra, for at least twenty seconds before returning to sleep. Focusing on sensory awareness during this brief waking period may bridge your waking consciousness and dream state.

Create your ideal sex dream set-up 

According to some theories, spicing up your real-life sex life or adjusting your sleep position to your stomach might increase the likelihood of sexual dreams. Evidence to support these theories is lacking, but why not experiment with your waking life? You never know what might infiltrate your sleep state.  

Keep a sexual dream diary 

Document your steamy dreams in a dedicated dream journal. This can help enhance recall of what happens in your dreams and deepen your understanding of what they mean. Over time, jotting your dreams down when you wake up may also help you identify patterns or triggers that lead to sexual fantasies.   

Make your dreams come true with Quinn 

Hot dreams can be a welcome treat, but what if you’re aroused by sound? Explore your deepest fantasies and desires in real life too — with Quinn. 

Quinn is a women-founded audio erotica app that elevates sexual excitement to another level. We offer an extensive range of ethical, immersive audio erotica stories spun by talented creators, spanning many different kinks, fetishes, and genres.

To access thousands of audio stories and guided masturbation sessions, download the Quinn app for iOS or Android.