Wet Dreams - Everything you need to know

There are uncountable myths around wet dreams. Most importantly: are they a relapse? Here is everything you need to know.

This episode is about a topic only little is scientifically known about. Which is quite unfortunate, as a lot of us experience so-called wet dreams, especially during our first nights into NoFap. The term “wet dream”, meaning involuntarily ejaculating while being asleep. Besides the nasty consequences, one often feels set back. But equals a wet dream, a relapse? And why is having wet dreams actually a promising sign?

How do wet dreams occur?

Scientifically, wet dreams happen when semen is released during sleep without conscious stimulation, meaning masturbation. It typically occurs during the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) phase of sleep, a period often associated with vivid dreams, including those of a sexual nature. In this phase, the brain is highly active, and these dreams, mixed with naturally occurring hormonal fluctuations, can lead to sexual arousal. But why does the latter happen?

In males, testosterone levels peak during the early morning hours, thus further contributing to the likelihood of wet dreams. This is normal, and you cannot do anything about it.

The influence of dreams

To make it short, what you dream of shows what you crave, what you desire.

Dreaming is a subconscious process. If you played a nice game of football, for example, before going to bed, chances are you are going to dream about this. Here, your brain clears and revisits your thoughts and experiences. That is why some people like to sleep over an important decision. Now, especially on your first days of NoFap or NoPMO, many often think about nothing else than porn, sex and masturbation. However, this means that your brain will revisit exactly these thoughts night by night. A vivid sexual dream then can increase the probability of a nocturnal emission (wet dream).

This also means that with changing your thoughts while progressing decreases the chance of a wet dream.

Are they a Setback?

For some, a wet dream might feel like a relapse, but scientifically speaking, it isn’t. Here’s why:

· No Conscious Choice: NoFap is about controlling conscious choices related to pornography and masturbation. Wet dreams, by contrast, occur without conscious control. This makes them an entirely different phenomenon.

· Biological Release Mechanism: If a person abstains from PMO for a significant period, the body will eventually find a way to release sexual tension through nocturnal emissions. This is a physiological necessity and not a sign of weakness or failure.

A relapse involves deliberate actions such as seeking out pornography or engaging in masturbation every time!

Frequent ejaculators do not experience wet dreams. Wet dreams therefore are more of a positive sign. As the brain and body adapt to new patterns, wet dreams may become less frequent. The body achieves a new equilibrium, and wet dreams are no longer triggered by previous masturbation-release habits. I can verify this.

One last tip from me: Avoid sexually stimulating content, even subtle triggers like certain social media or entertainment, especially before bed. The brain retains these stimuli and can replay them in dreams, leading to wet dreams. However, this is something you should follow in general.

Go and share this episode with a friend or group if you found it to be helpful, or you learned something new. Until next Saturday, and stay clean!