Is dreaming about sex a sign of mental illness?

I often dream about sexual intercourse, about three to four times a month, but I don't dare tell my husband. Is this due to excessive pressure or stress? (Lan Anh, 29, Hanoi).

Sexual dreams are a very common phenomenon and do not indicate mental illness, according to Doctor Pham Quang Khai from the Department of Urology and Andrology Surgery at E Hospital. These dreams can involve strangers, acquaintances, or even situations one would not desire in real life.

During sleep, particularly the REM (rapid eye movement) stage, the brain actively processes emotions, memories, hormones, and subconscious stimuli. Consequently, sexual dreams do not accurately reflect a person's personality or "true nature." Instead, they can sometimes mirror an unsatisfying marital life, unfulfilled sexual desires, unshared life pressures, or haunting regrets from the past.

Individuals experiencing stress, loneliness, or a lack of emotional intimacy tend to dream more frequently. Content consumed during the day, such as films, social media, or fleeting thoughts, can also be integrated into dreams by the brain. Men may experience erections or nocturnal emissions during sleep, which are natural physiological reflexes. Women can also experience physiological arousal during dreams.

Dreaming of "strangers" or unexpected people is also very common. This occurs because the dreaming brain operates associatively rather than logically, unlike when awake. Therefore, people should not feel pressured or judgmental about their dreams.

It is advisable to talk to a partner or family member to alleviate psychological burden. Avoid excessive worry, self-reproach, or blaming oneself for sexual dreams. However, if dreams recur excessively, accompanied by anxiety, obsession, stress affecting sleep or daily life, or involve uncontrolled behavior in real life, seeking medical consultation is advisable.