What do your sex dreams REALLY mean... and do they count as cheating? TRACEY COX reveals what what night thoughts of being naked in public or sleeping with an old flame says about you

You're kissing passionately, their hand trails seductively down your stomach, you arch your back…and then the alarm goes off and you're plonked unceremoniously back into reality. You open one eye, see your husband's head on the pillow next to you and feel guilty, like you really were cheating on him. Dream sex can feel very real – and very good. Men aren't the only ones who have 'wet dreams'. Studies show 85 per cent of women have experienced an orgasm during their sleep by the time they reach 21. (It's just not obvious because there's no evidence of it.).

But not all sex dreams leave us longing for more. Some make us wake up feeling confused, amused or even repulsed. What does it mean if you're dreaming about sex?. You'd think it means you're not getting any in real life but often, we'll dream about sex more when we're having lots of it. That's because most of what we dream about is what's happening in our waking world. (Having said that, if you haven't had sex for ages and are desperate to, it's also highly likely you'll dream about it because it's preoccupying you while awake.).

The other (kind of disappointing) thing about sex dreams is that most aren't about sex at all. If you slept with your boss, it doesn't mean you secretly fancy them in real life. It's common for people to dream about having an affair - but it doesn't mean they're ready to leave their partner. It's more about the symbolism: sex with someone in charge is more likely to mean you're seeking the approval of someone in authority. Sexual imagery typically symbolises connection, power, vulnerability or creativity.

Any kind of dream analysis divides a room instantly: half believe it's a load of rubbish and the other half are dying to know what THEIR dream really means. For those in the latter camp, I got five people to tell me their sex dreams and researched the most likely interpretations. I'M NAKED IN PUBLIC. 'I always dream that I've forgotten my panties and have something on that's short and everyone can tell. They're pointing and laughing at me, and I feel humiliated and embarrassed. In real life, I couldn't care less who sees me naked and often go commando. Why do I get so uptight in my dream when I wouldn't in reality?'.

What it means: This is the dream most people can put their hand up for: it's very common to dream of either being naked or having sex in public. Being naked usually means you're feeling vulnerable in some way. No panties can also mean you're unprepared for a situation you're going to face soon. According to Jungian analysts, mocking crowds mean fear of social rejection or self-doubt. You're being judged in some area of your waking life.

It's the details you don't think count in dreams that give away most clues. For this one, it's the setting. Where did the dream take place? The location usually represents where you are in life or where you'd like to be. If you're naked at school, it could mean you're worried your past achievements aren't good enough. Nearly all dream experts agree that having sex in public means you're seeking status and recognition, though it depends on how you feel about it.

If you feel ashamed in the dream, it may reflect anxiety about being judged or criticised for your actions. Sex and relationships expert Tracey Cox (pictured) interprets the most common sex dreams. I'M HAVING SEX WITH MY OLD TEACHER. 'I dreamt I was giving oral sex to my junior school teacher. I'm good at it and he's incredibly turned on by what I'm doing. I am enjoying doing it but it's clear, even in my dream, that I'm trying to impress him. I haven't thought about him since I left school.'.

What it means: Any dream involving the mouth is nearly always about communication. If you're the giver of oral sex, it means you need to speak up. If you're on the receiving end, you need to listen to what someone is trying to tell you. Teachers in dreams often symbolise what you'd expect: authority and guidance. The fact that you were out to impress, suggests you're seeking validation and approval from someone you perceive as an authority figure in real life. Do you feel pressure to meet someone's expectations?.

Although you haven't thought about the teacher consciously, they still represent a specific time in your life. Dreams often blend the past and present in unexpected ways. Is there an unresolved issue tied to your younger self?. I GROW A PENIS. 'I'm a straight woman, happily married, but recently dreamt I had a penis. I was thrilled. I went into the kitchen to show my husband and we both had a good look at it and admired its beauty. We didn't react sexually with it, more thought it would be very useful to us to have. What's going on?'.

What it means: A penis in dreams symbolises power or agency. As a woman, dreaming of having a penis could reflect a sense of empowerment, confidence or a desire to adopt 'masculine' qualities like assertiveness or control. It could also hint that you'd like a more holistic balance of feminine and masculine energies within yourself. Being thrilled that you grew one could mean you're embracing parts of yourself that feel strong and capable. Seeing it as useful, may reflect a desire to feel more equipped in handling challenges in your life.