Sexual-dream frequency and self-reported cardiovascular morbidity in adults: a cross-sectional study
E E E Eroume A EgomAbstract
Background
Sleep and autonomic dysregulation are recognised contributors to cardiovascular disease, yet the clinical relevance of dream patterns remains unexplored. Sexual dreams frequently elicit autonomic arousal, raising the possibility that dream frequency may reflect underlying cardiovascular vulnerability.
Purpose
To examine the association between sexual-dream frequency and self-reported cardiovascular morbidity in a community-based adult sample.
Methods
We analysed data from a cross-sectional online survey of 301 adults residing in the United States. Participants reported sexual-dream frequency (rarely ≤ once/year; frequently a few times/month; very frequently a few times/week), post-dream physical or emotional symptoms, and cardiovascular history. Outcomes included self-reported heart issues (composite of symptoms, diagnosis, or procedures) and coronary artery disease. Associations were assessed using χ² tests and multivariable logistic regression adjusting for age, smoking status, depression, anxiety, and medication use.
Results
Sexual dreams were nearly universal (99.7%). Heart issues were reported by 35.9% of participants, and coronary artery disease by 7.7%. Compared with rare dreamers, frequent sexual dreams were associated with higher odds of heart issues (adjusted OR 3.03, 95% CI 1.38–6.67; p=0.005), and very frequent dreams showed a stronger association (adjusted OR 6.62, 95% CI 1.64–26.7; p=0.004). Similar graded associations were observed for coronary artery disease (p<0.001). Increased heart rate (57%), sweating (35%), and anxiety (34%) were common post-dream symptoms. The adjusted model demonstrated good discrimination for heart issues (area under the curve 0.88).
Conclusions
Higher sexual-dream frequency is independently associated with self-reported cardiovascular morbidity. Dream patterns may reflect nocturnal autonomic activation linked to cardiovascular risk. Prospective studies incorporating objective cardiovascular and sleep metrics are warranted to clarify causality and clinical utility.