Societal conditioning in gender roles impacts various aspects of life. The same is true in the case of how men and women dream.
The team of ThePleasantDream found a study that highlights interesting findings surrounding how men and women dream.
Moreover, to unleash the truth, the team asked psychologists, psychiatrists, and dream experts worldwide a set of questions to get more clarity on the topic.
Here’s what they had to say…
How do our dreams differ based on gender?
Lauri Quinn Loewenberg, a professional dream analyst and founder of Dream Expert to the Stars!
Men tend to have more conflict in their dreams: fist fights, gun battles, and more competitive actions such as trying to outrun someone or something or being in a football game or golf tournament. There is also more sexual content in their dreams.
Women frequently have more conversations in their dreams and dreams of their mothers and their children or unknown children.
Women also tend to dream of people from the past far more often than men. Women also dream of animals more than men; a common element is a woman trying to save the animal.
Marta De la Cruz, A Clinical Psychologist at Balance Luxury Rehab
Dreams can differ based on gender in terms of themes and content. Men tend to have more aggressive and action-oriented dreams, while women often have dreams that involve more emotions and interpersonal relationships.
Dr. Ketan Parmar, Psychiatrist and Mental Health Expert at ClinicSpots
Studies have shown that men and women do tend to have different types of dreams.
Men are more likely to have dreams involving physical activities such as sports or fighting, while women’s dreams tend to involve personal relationships with family members or friends.
In addition, studies suggest that women experience more nightmares and emotionally based dreaming episodes than men do.
Michelle Giordano, Community Counselor and Outreach Specialist at Live Another Day
According to studies, men and women may experience certain variances in the topics and content of their dreams. Men’s dreams, for instance, frequently involve greater aggression and rivalry.
Women’s dreams, on the other hand, could be more concerned with kinship, feelings, and caring. It’s important to remember that these trends are not universal and that people differ greatly from one another.
Jessica Miller, Licensed Mental Health Counselor at PsycheMag
Dream themes and content preferences differ between men and women.
Men’s dreams, for example, may have more violence, physical activity, and outdoor locations, whereas women’s dreams may contain more social interactions, emotions, and familiar places.
These generalizations, however, are not universal, and people may have a wide variety of dream experiences.
Women may have more powerful emotions in their dreams than males.
This is not to argue that men do not have emotional goals, but some research suggests that women are more likely than males to experience emotions such as dread, sadness, and anxiety in their dreams.
Cultural and societal variables can also impact dreams, which vary throughout countries and time eras. Cultural expectations, gender roles, and personal experiences can influence dream content and interpretation.
Dreams are very subjective and personal to each individual. Visions of people of both genders can include various topics, emotions, and substances. Personal history, hobbies, anxieties, and goals impact people’s dreams.
Adina Mahalli, a certified mental health expert
Research findings indicate that men frequently describe dreams featuring elements of aggression and action, such as confrontations, physical challenges, and competitive situations.
These dream themes could potentially mirror their societal roles, expectations, as well as biological and evolutionary predispositions.
Conversely, women’s dreams commonly center around relationships, emotions, and nurturing aspects.
Dreams involving family, friends, and intimate connections are frequently reported among women. These dream patterns might indicate women’s emphasis on interpersonal dynamics and their innate nurturing instincts.
Leva Kubiliute, a psychologist It’s Me & You Clinic
Dreams are unique to every individual and often reflect our experiences and subconscious thoughts.
Generally, men dream more about physical activities, aggressive interactions, and outdoor settings, possibly reflecting societal roles and expectations.
Conversely, women often have dreams featuring conversation, familiar indoor settings, and characters from their everyday lives.
Which gender has more dreams?
Lauri Quinn Loewenberg, a professional dream analyst and founder of Dream Expert to the Stars!
The amount of dreams one has is based on the amount of sleep one has, so I believe a more accurate answer would be in which gender remembers their dreams more, and the answer to that is women, without a doubt.
Women also tend to give more attention to their dreams than men. In my 27 years of dream work, I have had twice as many female clients as male clients.
Marta De la Cruz, A Clinical Psychologist at Balance Luxury Rehab
No clear evidence suggests that one gender has more dreams than the other. Both men and women experience dreams regularly, although the content and themes may differ.
Dr. Ketan Parmar, Psychiatrist and Mental Health Expert at ClinicSpots
It’s not clear which gender has more dreams overall. Some studies have suggested that men may have more dream episodes than women, but the evidence is inconclusive.
Michelle Giordano, Community Counselor and Outreach Specialist at Live Another Day
Individual differences in dream frequency and the possibility that gender is not the only factor are possible.
The quantity of dreams experienced might vary depending on factors including sleep quality, way of life, and personal variances in dream recall. As a result, it is challenging to say with certainty which gender has more dreams.
Jessica Miller, Licensed Mental Health Counselor at PsycheMag
Dream frequency varies significantly amongst individuals, independent of gender. Dream recall and frequency can be influenced by factors such as sleep quality, sleep habits, lifestyle, and individual characteristics.
During Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, the period of rest associated with vivid dreaming, both men and women have many dream cycles throughout the night.
Individuals’ capacity to remember and recollect their dreams upon awakening may vary.
Other factors, such as stress levels, general sleep quality, and individual variances in brain activity, can all impact dream frequency and recall.
Adina Mahalli, a certified mental health expert
I can confidently state that there is no substantial gender-based disparity in the frequency of dreaming.
Both men and women experience dreams consistently and with vividness. Dreams are a universal phenomenon that extends beyond the confines of gender.
Nevertheless, it is worth noting that the content and themes of dreams may diverge between genders as a result of societal influences, personal experiences, and biological factors.
While men and women may exhibit distinct dream themes, there is currently no conclusive evidence to indicate that either gender has a greater overall number of dreams.
Leva Kubiliute, a psychologist It’s Me & You Clinic
Interestingly, the frequency of dreaming doesn’t appear to significantly differ between genders.
REM sleep – the stage in which dreaming predominantly occurs – is consistent across genders.
However, the content and emotional tone of dreams can vary, as I touched on in the previous question.
Does gender affect our ability to remember dreams?
Lauri Quinn Loewenberg, a professional dream analyst and founder of Dream Expert to the Stars!
It doesn’t affect our ability as much as it affects our interest in the subject. And the more interested you are in your dreams, the more likely you are to remember them, simply because you give them importance and you work to remember them.
And women, in general, tend to have more interest that part of themselves.
Of course, I do have plenty of male clients who take great interest in their dreams, and when I take calls during radio appearances (I’ve been one of the top requested guests in morning radio for over two decades), plenty of men call in with their dreams.
But equal to my client base, the call-ins are also appx two women for every man that calls in.
Marta De la Cruz, A Clinical Psychologist at Balance Luxury Rehab
Gender does not appear to impact the ability to remember dreams significantly. Factors such as individual variations in dream recall ability and sleep quality are more influential in remembering dreams.
Dr. Ketan Parmar, Psychiatrist and Mental Health Expert at ClinicSpots
It appears that gender does influence our ability to remember dreams. Studies have found that men are better at recalling their dreams than women.
There are a few theories why this might be the case, including differences in how male and female brains process memories or how much sleep each gender gets on average.
Michelle Giordano, Community Counselor and Outreach Specialist at Live Another Day
According to research, women often recall their dreams at a little higher rate than men do. The possibility of hormonal impacts has been raised, including variations in estrogen and progesterone.
Dream recall can also be influenced by other elements, such as individual differences in dream attentiveness and the habit of maintaining dream journals.
Interpreting any gender-related effects on dream recollection requires taking into account these parameters.
Jessica Miller, Licensed Mental Health Counselor at PsycheMag
Dream recall is more frequent when people awaken during or shortly after a dream. For example, women and men may have different sleep habits or interruptions, which might interfere with their capacity to recall dreams.
Sleep quality might have an impact on dream recollection. Individuals with higher overall sleep quality, including enough sleep length and undisturbed sleep, may recall dreams more easily.
Stress and worry can impair sleep quality and interfere with dream recollection. Stress and anxiety can affect men’s and women’s capacity to recall their dreams.
Adina Mahalli, a certified mental health expert
The ability to remember dreams can indeed be influenced by gender, although the exact impact remains partially unexplored. Studies indicate that, on average, women tend to have a higher frequency of dream recall compared to men.
Several factors potentially contribute to this difference. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly related to the menstrual cycle, have been suggested as a possible explanation for the elevated dream recall in women.
Moreover, women often exhibit a greater interest and engagement in dreams, which could enhance their capacity to remember and recollect dream experiences.
Conversely, men may experience lower rates of dream recall due to factors such as societal conditioning, disparities in attentiveness toward dreams, and variations in brain structure and function.
However, it is crucial to recognize that these observations reflect general tendencies and can significantly vary among individuals.
Leva Kubiliute, a psychologist It’s Me & You Clinic
Research suggests that women tend to recall dreams more frequently than men.
This might be influenced by hormonal differences, particularly given the higher levels of progesterone in women, which has been associated with more intense and vivid dreams, and, consequently, better recall.
Which gender has more vivid dreams and why?
Lauri Quinn Loewenberg, a professional dream analyst and founder of Dream Expert to the Stars!
Women! Research out of Yale University in the 90’s determined that men generally focus on one task and compartmentalize more brain activity, while women gravitate toward multitasking, which is reflected in their very detailed dreams.
Marta De la Cruz, A Clinical Psychologist at Balance Luxury Rehab
There is no conclusive evidence to suggest that one gender has more vivid dreams than the other.
The vividness of dreams can vary among individuals regardless of gender. However, some studies suggest that women may be more likely to recall and describe their dreams more.
Dr. Ketan Parmar, Psychiatrist and Mental Health Expert at ClinicSpots
Regarding the vividness of dreams, both genders can experience very intense dream content. However, some evidence suggests that women’s dreams may be more vivid than men’s.
This could be due to the fact that women tend to have more emotionally intense dreams, which can make the content of their dreams seem more vivid than those of men.
Michelle Giordano, Community Counselor and Outreach Specialist at Live Another Day
Numerous variables, including emotional condition, sleep quality, and individual sensory perception variances, might affect how vivid a dream is.
While gender may, to some extent, influence dream vividness, it is not the only determining factor.
Depending on their unique circumstances and psychological conditions, men and women can both have extremely vivid dreams.
Jessica Miller, Licensed Mental Health Counselor at PsycheMag
Dream vividness varies widely across individuals and is impacted by various factors, including personal experiences, emotions, sleep habits, and total brain activity during sleep.
While definite conclusions concerning gender differences in dream vividness are challenging to establish, several research has revealed that women may view their dreams as more vivid than males.
It’s worth noting that aspects like dream recall, emotional intensity, and personal interest in dreams can all impact how vivid dreams are interpreted.
For example, people who regularly participate in methods like dream journaling or are interested in plans may acquire stronger dream recall and a heightened sense of dream vividness over time.
Adina Mahalli, a certified mental health expert
Although a definitive consensus remains elusive, certain studies indicate that women might experience more vivid dreams than men. Various factors potentially contribute to this distinction.
Hormonal influence emerges as one plausible explanation, as fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels during the menstrual cycle could heighten the vividness of dreams in women.
Moreover, women tend to exhibit higher dream recall rates, and their increased interest and involvement in dreams may further contribute to the perception of heightened vividness.
Leva Kubiliute, a psychologist It’s Me & You Clinic
Again, research suggests that women might experience more vivid dreams, likely due to hormonal fluctuations across the menstrual cycle. The luteal phase, when progesterone levels are high, is often associated with more vivid and intense dreaming.
Which gender has more wet dreams and why?
Lauri Quinn Loewenberg, a professional dream analyst and founder of Dream Expert to the Stars!
From the teen years up to early/mid-twenties, men have more wet dreams, and pretty frequently. Nocturnal emissions, as we call them. But that shifts starting in the mid to late 20s.
While men may have more sexual content in their dreams, they will rarely orgasm from the dream, whereas women then take the lead and reach orgasm in their sex dreams and can for the rest of their lifespan.
Marta De la Cruz, A Clinical Psychologist at Balance Luxury Rehab
Wet dreams, also known as nocturnal emissions, typically occur in males and are associated with the release of semen during sleep. Females do not experience wet dreams in the same physiological sense.
Dr. Ketan Parmar, Psychiatrist and Mental Health Expert at ClinicSpots
There is no clear difference between genders when it comes to wet dreams or nocturnal emissions.
While it is true that teenage boys are more likely to report having experienced a wet dream than teenage girls, this phenomenon occurs equally amongst adults from both genders.
Michelle Giordano, Community Counselor and Outreach Specialist at Live Another Day
Due to physiological reasons, men are more likely than women to experience wet dreams, which are characterized by involuntary ejaculation in males or lubrication in females while sleeping.
The release of sexual tension and the creation of seminal fluid are both related to this occurrence. It’s crucial to remember that not all men have wet dreams, and that they can occur more or less frequently depending on the person.
Contrarily, women do not have wet dreams in the same physiological sense.
Jessica Miller, Licensed Mental Health Counselor at PsycheMag
Wet dreams, also known as nocturnal emissions, are sleep-related orgasms usually followed by ejaculation in males.
Wet dreams are a natural physiological phenomenon that can occur in males and females, but males are more typically affected.
This is caused mainly by hormonal causes. Male puberty is characterized by increased testosterone production, which can result in sexual desire and the incidence of wet dreams.
Testosterone levels change during the sleep cycle, and sexual arousal and dreams about sexual events are more frequent during particular sleep phases, such as Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep.
Wet dreams are less prevalent and less well-studied in females, probably because of the lack of a visible and measurable physiological reaction like ejaculation.
Wet dreams are a standard component of sexual development and are not always suggestive of underlying health problems.
Adina Mahalli, a certified mental health expert
Wet dreams, also known as nocturnal emissions, occur when involuntary ejaculations happen during sleep. It is widely believed that wet dreams are more common in males compared to females, and there are several reasons for this distinction.
Firstly, wet dreams are closely linked to ejaculation, which is a physiological response exclusive to males. The release of semen during sleep is a natural process that eliminates old sperm and produces new sperm.
As females do not produce semen, they do not experience wet dreams similarly.
Secondly, hormonal differences play a role. Testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, influences sexual desire and the occurrence of wet dreams.
Males generally have higher testosterone levels than females, which might contribute to a greater likelihood of experiencing wet dreams. Lastly, cultural and psychological factors can influence the reporting and interpretation of wet dreams.
Leva Kubiliute, a psychologist It’s Me & You Clinic
Wet dreams, or nocturnal emissions, are more common among men, particularly during adolescence. This phenomenon is primarily associated with male sexual physiology and the body’s process of releasing sexual tension.
What is the most common dream of men?
Lauri Quinn Loewenberg, a professional dream analyst and founder of Dream Expert to the Stars!
If I had to narrow it down to just one dream per gender, I would say the most common dream for men is some version of being in a fight and unable to land a punch.
Marta De la Cruz, A Clinical Psychologist at Balance Luxury Rehab
The most common dream themes for men can vary, but common examples include dreams involving work, sports, competition, or sexual experiences.
Dr. Ketan Parmar, Psychiatrist and Mental Health Expert at ClinicSpots
Studies suggest that the most common dream for men revolves around physical action and achievement, such as sports or fighting.
These types of dreams are often viewed as a form of “wish fulfillment” where the dreamer can experience success in areas they may not be able to do so in their waking life.
Michelle Giordano, Community Counselor and Outreach Specialist at Live Another Day
It is difficult to pinpoint the one dream that men have the most frequently because dream themes can vary widely from person to person.
However, success, accomplishment, adventure, and sexual encounters are some prominent themes mentioned by guys. It’s vital to understand that these themes are not just present in men’s dreams; they can also appear in women’s dreams.
Jessica Miller, Licensed Mental Health Counselor at PsycheMag
Men frequently describe dreams with themes of achievement, success, or being in positions of power and control. Personal aspirations, job objectives, or social pressures relating to prosperity and prestige may all be reflected in these dreams.
Both men and women have dreams with sexual material or themes. For example, men may have sexual experiences, attraction to others, or interactions in their dreams that mirror their sexual desires and interests.
Men frequently describe dreams involving physical altercations, fights, or confrontations. This might be due to societal and cultural expectations that link masculinity with assertiveness and physical strength.
Men’s dreams frequently contain daring settings, adventure, and difficult situations. These dreams suggest a yearning for adventure, risk-taking, or thrill.
Adina Mahalli, a certified mental health expert
Dreams are highly subjective, and their content can vary significantly from person to person. Consequently, it is challenging to identify a specific dream that universally stands out as the most common among men.
Nevertheless, certain themes and scenarios tend to emerge more frequently in men’s dreams.
These include pursuits and competitions, where dreams may involve being chased, engaging in sports or other activities, or striving for success and achievement.
Additionally, men often report dreams featuring aggression and conflict, such as confrontations, fights, or battles, potentially reflecting underlying emotions, frustrations, or a desire for assertiveness.
Dreams encompassing sex and romance are common among both men and women, with men experiencing dreams involving current or past partners and fantasy scenarios.
Furthermore, men may have work-related dreams, relating to their jobs or professional aspirations, such as excelling in their careers, facing work-related challenges, or exploring new opportunities.
Finally, dreams involving adventure, exploration, or heroic acts frequently occur in the dreams of men, possibly indicating a desire for excitement, self-discovery, or personal fulfillment.
Leva Kubiliute, a psychologist It’s Me & You Clinic
While it’s challenging to pinpoint a “most common dream” due to individual variations, themes of pursuit, competition, and sexuality are often reported in men’s dreams.
Again, these trends might be influenced by societal expectations and norms around masculinity.
What is the most common dream for women?
Lauri Quinn Loewenberg, a professional dream analyst and founder of Dream Expert to the Stars!
The most common dream for woman is to be back in school and can’t find her class or be unprepared for a big test.
Marta De la Cruz, A Clinical Psychologist at Balance Luxury Rehab
Women’s most common dream themes can also vary, but common examples include dreams involving relationships, family, personal growth, or emotional experiences.
Dr. Ketan Parmar, Psychiatrist and Mental Health Expert at ClinicSpots
The most common dream for women involves personal relationships with family members or friends.
These types of dreams often serve as an outlet for the dreamer to work through any unresolved issues they may have with those individuals.
In addition, these kinds of dreams can also help provide insight into how the dreamer views themselves and their relationships with others.
Michelle Giordano, Community Counselor and Outreach Specialist at Live Another Day
Similar to men, it can be difficult to pinpoint one particular type of dream that affects women the most.
However, dreams about love, family, personal development, and emotional events are frequently reported by women. The wide range of interests and worries that women may have during the day are reflected in these themes.
Jessica Miller, Licensed Mental Health Counselor at PsycheMag
Women typically describe dreams involving family members, friends, love partners, or other key interactions. These dreams may represent essential personal relationships, emotions, and social interactions in their life.
Women frequently have dreams about their self-image, identity, and personal growth.
Self-reflection, personal development, and ambitions may be topics in dreams. These dreams might be a reflection of women’s explorations of their own identities and social expectations.
Women typically express dreams about caring for, nurturing, or assisting others. These dreams represent women’s innate empathy, compassion, and caregiver duties. Women’s dreams frequently include a broad spectrum of emotions.
For example, dreams might evoke happiness, fear, sadness, love, or vulnerability. Instead, these dreams can be used to examine and explore emotional states and experiences.
Adina Mahalli, a certified mental health expert
There isn’t a single dream that can be identified as the most common among women. However, there are certain themes and scenarios that women have frequently reported in their dreams.
These include dreams centered around relationships and emotions, where personal connections, family, friends, and romantic partners play prominent roles.
Such dreams may reflect emotional bonds, conflicts, or a longing for closeness and understanding.
Women also commonly experience dreams about self-image and body, which can reflect societal influences, self-esteem, or concerns about physical appearance.
Dreams associated with pregnancy and motherhood are frequent among women, possibly influenced by the biological and psychological factors tied to femininity and reproductive experiences.
Additionally, dreams revolving around empowerment and self-discovery are common, representing aspirations, desires for independence, or the exploration of inner strength.
Social interactions and communication are also prevalent themes in women’s dreams, showcasing interpersonal dynamics, communication challenges, or a yearning for connection.
It’s important to recognize that these themes are not exclusive to women and can be present in the dreams of individuals of any gender.
Ultimately, the content of dreams is highly individual and shaped by personal experiences, interests, and emotions.
Leva Kubiliute, a psychologist It’s Me & You Clinic
Women’s dreams, like men’s, greatly vary individually. However, commonly reported themes include interpersonal conflicts, conversations, and caregiving scenarios.
It’s important to note that these trends are averages, and there is considerable overlap between genders.
Remember, dreams are a deeply personal and complex phenomenon intertwined with our daily lives, subconscious thoughts, and emotions.
Gender can influence dream patterns due to physiological and societal factors, but every dream is as unique as the dreamer’s.
Closing Thoughts
The expert opinion supports past findings that men and women share similarities and differences in their dreams, just as they do daily.
Men and women dream in similar binary ways that match their experiences since gender roles are mostly based on cultural norms and societal institutions that define specific duties and behaviors based on gender.
