Nightfall: 6 myths about wet dreams dispelled

Wet dreams, also known as nocturnal emissions, are a natural physiological phenomenon in which ejaculation occurs during sleep. They usually occur during the REM phase of sleep and are more common during adolescence or early teens, but they can occur at any age after puberty.

Dr. Chirag Bhandari, Founder, Institute of Andrology and Sexual Health (IASH) says, “It is a common phenomena that occurs during sleep. There are several myths surrounding wet dreams, and it is important to understand the facts.”

Here are some myths about night fall:

One common myth is that wet dreams can cause a reduction in sperm count. However, this is not true as wet dreams do not lead to any reduction in sperm count. In fact, wet dreams are a natural way to remove older sperm from the testicles and allow new, healthy sperm to form.

According to Dr. Bhandari, Another myth is that wet dreams can reduce a person's immunity. However, there is no correlation between immunity and wet dreams. Similarly, wet dreams are not a sign of underlying illness, and they do not cause shrinkage of the penis.

It is also a common myth that wet dreams only occur during puberty. However, wet dreams can happen at any age and are most likely caused by hormonal changes. While it is true that excessive masturbation can lead to more frequent wet dreams, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.

“Repeated wet dreams or night falls can cause symptoms such as headache, fatigue, tiredness, lack of concentration, and mood swings. This is known as the thought syndrome, and it can be treated by seeking consultation with a men's health expert,” Dr. Bhandari.

It is important to understand that wet dreams are a natural and normal part of male sexual development. They do not cause any harm to the body and are not a sign of underlying illness. While there is no way to completely prevent wet dreams, there are ways to manage them, such as wearing loose-fitting clothing and avoiding stimulating material before bed.