Nocturnal Emissions
From Encyclopedia of Sex and Sexuality
Soon after puberty begins, both boys and girls may have erotic dreams while sleeping. In boys, this is often accompanied by orgasm and ejaculation, an occurrence known as a nocturnal emission or, commonly, as a “wet dream.” Teenaged girls who have erotic dreams may also experience an increase in vaginal secretions and orgasm.
Whether the erotic dream precedes sexual arousal and the nocturnal emission during sleep or whether the nocturnal emission during the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep stage precipitates the erotic dream is unknown. The reasons for the nocturnal orgasm and emissions are also not completely known, but researchers have speculated that they may be due to tight, genitally stimulating night wear; sexual activity without a release of tension; sexual desires that one may not be willing or able to fulfill during waking hours; or the need to urinate.
According to Alfred Kinsey, most males have nocturnal emissions at some point in their lives (some for many years) and at least one-third of all women report having experienced erotic dreams leading to orgasm. The content of erotic dreams, as of any dream, may reflect images that would not be ordinarily considered or thought of during waking hours, such as sex with forbidden partners or bizarre sexual acts. While erotic dreams and orgasms may occur at any time in one’s life, they are most common during the teens and twenties for males and the forties for females.
