Chapter 9

Lecture Notes

Although people tend to feel responsible for their fantasies, which occur when they are awake, they are usually less troubled by sexual dreams. Erotic dreams can accompany nocturnal orgasm for both men and women. Furthermore, individuals may wake up to find their bodies moving like they were engaging in sexual behaviors during sleep. The content of the dreams may not be overtly sexual and cannot be controlled, therefore, it often runs the gamut of sexual possibilities. Women seem to feel less guilty or fearful about nocturnal orgasms than men do, accepting them more easily as pleasurable experiences.