Ask a (S)expert: "Are Sleepgasms Real?"
Welcome to our new series led by Gigi Fong, Hypebae’s in-house sex and dating editor.
Welcome to your new safe space and Hypebae’s first-ever sex and dating column, Ask a (S)expert. This new weekly series is led by Haitian-Chinese and LA-based sexpert Gigi Fong, our in-house sex and dating editor.
Gigi is a former sex worker, boudoir artist and podcaster now hosting safe spaces for the Hypebae community. She specializes in all things sex-positive from unconventional dating to pleasure for lovers of all identities. To have your questions answered, visit our dropbox below and anonymously send your intimate inquiries ♡
“Are sleepgasms real?”
Hey bae! For some reason, sex ed taught us that men can orgasm in their sleep… but completely left out the fact that women can, too. So yes — they’re absolutely real!
Unfortunately, research on women and their sleepgasms is seriously lacking. Specifically, most of the studies on this were conducted before the year 2000. As a result, sex ed teaches us that when a male, usually preteen age, orgasms in their sleep, it’s called a nocturnal emission or the more colloquial “wet dream.” From a research standpoint, men do experience them more often, but not by much (only about 10% more). So I have to reiterate: It’s not just a cool thing men can do, anyone can have them!
Alfred Kinsey, your favorite sex-educator’s-favorite-sex-researcher, confirmed over 60 years ago that women orgasm in their sleep. Thankfully, as the conversation evolved, femmes were given a much cooler name: sleepgasms – well, unofficially that is. This refers to orgasms that happen in your sleep and can result in you feeling wet.
Sleepgasms can co-occur with a sex dream or simply because your body is relaxed. As sex expert Dr. Justin Lehmiller shared, women who experience sleepgasms usually have more liberal beliefs about sexuality, allowing them to achieve orgasm during such a relaxed state.
Curious about the benefits of sleepgasms? Drop a question in the dropbox!
While you’re here, a new study reveals Gen Z’s BDSM habits.
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