Sweet Dreams (Beyoncé song)

Initially titled "Beautiful Nightmare", "Sweet Dreams" became one of the first songs composed for Beyoncé Beyoncé's 2008 double album I Am... Sasha Fierce. Record producer Rico Love regarded writing "Sweet Dreams" with Beyoncé as "the experience of a lifetime". When Beyoncé went to the South Beat Studios in Miami Beach, Florida, she was not prepared to record and had to attend the opening concert of her husband {{nowrap|Jay-Z's}} tour. However, when she heard a demo of the song, she was impressed and wanted to record it immediately. She sang and recorded “Sweet Dreams” in 15 minutes.{{Cite web |last=Wass |first=Mike |date=5 June 2015 |title=Beyonce Recorded 2009 Smash Hit "Sweet Dreams" In 15 Minutes |url=https://www.idolator.com/7595718/beyonce-recorded-sweet-dreams-15-minutes-rico-love?view-all |access-date=1 May 2023 |website=Idolator }}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

Beyoncé, Wayne Wilkins and Jim Jonsin did some additional writing and produced the song alongside Love at the same studio. Beyoncé and Love worked on the vocal arrangements; Beyoncé appreciated Love's background vocals in the hook and retained them. Jim Caruana assisted in recording the music. Love then recorded Beyoncé's vocals; the recording session lasted for an hour. Lastly, Wilkins mixed the track. "Sweet Dreams" appears on the Sasha Fierce disc of I Am... Sasha Fierce as it allowed Beyoncé to portray her alter ego Sasha Fierce, whom Beyoncé described as her "fun, more sensual, more aggressive, more outspoken [...] and more glamorous side".{{Cite news|url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/showbiz/2009-10/13/content_8788039_3.htm |title=Beijing date announced for Beyoncé's 'I Am...' world tour |work=China Daily |publisher=China Daily Group |page=3 |date=October 13, 2009 |access-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111024182134/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/showbiz/2009-10/13/content_8788039_3.htm |archive-date=October 24, 2011 }}

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"Sweet Dreams" is an electropop song that incorporates elements of rock and {{nowrap|old-school}} funk music.{{cite web|url=http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Artists/B/Beyonce/AlbumReviews/2008/11/18/7453821-sun.html |title=Album Review: Beyonce I Am...Sasha Fierce |first=Darryl |last=Sterdan |date=November 18, 2011 |access-date=February 19, 2012 |publisher=Jam!. Sun Media |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120709071101/http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Artists/B/Beyonce/AlbumReviews/2008/11/18/7453821-sun.html |archive-date=July 9, 2012 }} The song is built on undulating electro rhythms and a thumping beat;{{cite web |url=http://web.orange.co.uk/article/beyonce-i-am-sasha-fierce |title=Beyoncé – I Am... Sasha Fierce |first=Sophie |last=Hammer |publisher=Orange. Microtel Communications |date=November 21, 2008 |access-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131007032248/http://web.orange.co.uk/article/beyonce-i-am-sasha-fierce |archive-date=October 7, 2013}} its groove fits into hip hop phrasing.{{cite news |url=http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/music/ny-etdrops5930604nov18,0,2836691.story |title=Beyoncé's 'Sasha Fierce' places blame for women's pain on men |first=Glenn |last=Gamboat |work=Newsday |publisher=Cablevision |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205032028/http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/music/ny-etdrops5930604nov18,0,2836691.story |date=November 16, 2008 |archive-date=December 5, 2008 |access-date=February 19, 2012}} It is mainly driven by a keyboard{{cite news |access-date=February 19, 2012 |url=http://miaminewtimes.com/music/check-out-one-of-jim-jonsins-latest-productions-sweet-dreams-by-beyonce-6462337 |title=Check Out one of Jim Jonsin's Latest Productions, 'Sweet Dreams' by Beyoncé |work=Miami New Times |publisher=Village Voice Media |first=Arielle |last=Castillo |date=May 21, 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180204000912/http://www.miaminewtimes.com/music/check-out-one-of-jim-jonsins-latest-productions-sweet-dreams-by-beyonce-6462337 |archive-date=4 February 2018}} and also has guitar, piano,Sheet music for "Sweet Dreams". EMI Music Publishing (2008). synthesizer,{{cite web|access-date=February 19, 2012 |url=http://music.ign.com/articles/933/933019p1.html |title=Beyoncé – I Am... Sasha Fierce: The two sides of Ms. Knowles fight for your attention |publisher=IGN. News Corporation |date=November 22, 2008 |last=D |first=Spence |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628214443/http://music.ign.com/articles/933/933019p1.html |archive-date=June 28, 2011 }} snare drum and bass instrumentation.{{cite news |url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/nov/18/beyonces-two-faces/ |title=Beyoncé's two faces |first=Adam |last=Mazmanian |work=The Washington Times |publisher=News World Media Development |date=November 18, 2008 |access-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115162138/https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/nov/18/beyonces-two-faces/ |archive-date=January 15, 2020}} Many music critics noted that several components of "Sweet Dreams" are reminiscent of the songs on Michael Jackson's 1982 album Thriller. James Montgomery of MTV News said that the "gnarly low end" sounds like Jackson's song "Beat It" (1983).{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1615576/beyonce-gets-crazy-sexy-cool-in-sweet-dreams-video/ |title=Beyoncé Gets Crazy, Sexy, Cool In 'Sweet Dreams' Video|first=James|last=Montgomery |publisher=MTV News. MTV Networks |access-date=February 19, 2012 |date=July 9, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929183516/http://www.mtv.com/news/1615576/beyonce-gets-crazy-sexy-cool-in-sweet-dreams-video/ |archive-date=September 29, 2020}} Nick Levine of Digital Spy noted that the electronic bassline is similar to those used in Jackson's songs "Thriller" (1983) and "Bad" (1987).{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/music/single-reviews/a165814/beyonc-sweet-dreams-165814/ |title=Beyoncé: 'Sweet Dreams' |first=Nick |last=Levine |publisher=Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi Médias |date=August 10, 2009 |access-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413014057/https://www.digitalspy.com/music/single-reviews/a165814/beyonc-sweet-dreams-165814/ |archive-date=April 13, 2020}} Arielle Castillo of the Miami New Times noted that Jackson could use the beat of "Sweet Dreams" to bring up to date his {{nowrap|Thriller-era}} style.

The lyrics of "Sweet Dreams" are about a female protagonist who has some insecurities about her new romantic relationship; she is confused about whether her relationship with her partner is a "sweet dream or a beautiful nightmare". The song starts with a bassline, which is occasionally interrupted by spare snare kicks, drum fills and Beyoncé's chanting, "Turn the lights on". She then adopts slinky vocals to begin the first verse. The {{nowrap|"expansive-yet-molecular"}} chorus then starts with the line, "You can be a sweet dream or a beautiful nightmare / Either way, I don't wanna wake up from you". The song is written in the key of E-flat minor with a tempo of 122 beats per minute. Beyoncé's vocals span from D♭₄ to E{{Flat}}₅ in the song.{{Cite web|title=Key, BPM of Sweet Dreams By Beyoncé {{!}} Musicstax|url=https://musicstax.com/track/sweet-dreams/2wLMMcXV6sRtLijfLZP9oR|access-date=2021-08-20|website=musicstax.com|language=en|archive-date=August 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820231423/https://musicstax.com/track/sweet-dreams/2wLMMcXV6sRtLijfLZP9oR|url-status=live}}

"Sweet Dreams" was leaked under its original title the day after it was recorded in March 2008, eight months before the album's release. It was the first time that a song by Beyoncé was leaked before its inclusion on an upcoming album. She responded to the leak on her official website, thanking her fans for the positive response towards the song, before clarifying that it was just a work in progress and that she did not intend to release new material in the near future.{{cite web |url=https://singersroom.com/content/2008-03-29/beyonce-working-on-next-album-wants-fans-to-support-kelly-michelle-and-solange/ |title=Beyonce Working On Next Album, Wants Fans to Support Kelly, Michelle, and Solange |date=March 29, 2008 |access-date=January 25, 2021 |publisher=Singersroom |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001132219/https://singersroom.com/content/2008-03-29/beyonce-working-on-next-album-wants-fans-to-support-kelly-michelle-and-solange/ |archive-date=October 1, 2020}} About the leak, Love told MTV News:

I was more concerned that [Beyoncé] would feel that we did it. A lot of times producers or songwriters leak records because they feel if you put the song out there it would go [on to become a hit]. Usually a leak that far in advance of an album release puts the song in serious jeopardy of being excluded from the final track list. It was frustrating. I felt like you work hard to get in the studio to work with Beyoncé. [But] I was blessed ... that song turned out [to] have nine lives.{{cite web |first=Shaheem |last=Reid |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1635738/usher-beyonce-collaborator-rico-love-talks-organic-songwriting-process/ |title=Usher, Beyoncé Collaborator Rico Love Talks 'Organic' Songwriting Process | News |publisher=MTV News. MTV Networks |date=April 8, 2010 |access-date=February 19, 2012|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802222630/http://www.mtv.com/news/1635738/usher-beyonce-collaborator-rico-love-talks-organic-songwriting-process/ |archive-date=August 2, 2020}}

Under the song's original title "Beautiful Nightmare", "Sweet Dreams" gained some attention in the United States, where it amassed enough airplay to chart at number {{nowrap|forty-five}} on Hot Dance Club Songs chart and at number {{nowrap|fifty-seven}} on Pop 100 Airplay chart.{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p349078/charts-awards/billboard-singles|pure_url=yes}} |title=Beyoncé {{!}} Awards |publisher=Allmusic. Rovi Corporation |access-date=January 15, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160327060753/http://www.allmusic.com/artist/beyonc%C3%A9-mn0000761179/awards |archive-date=March 27, 2016}} "Broken-Hearted Girl" was initially intended as the sixth US and fourth international single alongside the stateside-only single "Ego" (2009).{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2009/03/10/beyonce-selects-third-singles-shoots-videos/ |title=Beyoncé Selects Third Singles, Shoots Videos |work=Rap-Up |publisher=Devin Lazerine |access-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120519035848/http://www.rap-up.com/2009/03/10/beyonce-selects-third-singles-shoots-videos/ |archive-date=May 19, 2012 }} However, its release was scrapped at the last minute, and replaced by "Sweet Dreams",{{cite news |url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/sydney-confidential/beyonce-knowles-broken-hearted-girl-music-video-released/story-e6frexar-1225736774950 |title=Beyoncé Knowles Broken-Hearted Girl music video released |publisher=News Limited |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=June 18, 2009 |access-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120920005408/http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/sydney-confidential/beyonce-knowles-broken-hearted-girl-music-video-released/story-e6frexar-1225736774950 |archive-date=September 20, 2012}} which Beyoncé selected for a summer single release because she wanted a dance song. She added, "It's very rare to find an uptempo song [...] that's not just about going to a club or partying or being a sexy girl".{{cite web |url=http://giantmag.com/culture/music/giant-magazine-staff/behind-the-scenes-of-beyonces-sweet-dreams-video/ |title=Behind The Scenes of Beyoncé's 'Sweet Dreams' Video |first=Lukas |last=Brekke-Miesner |work=Giant |publisher=GIANT Publication Group |date=June 18, 2009 |access-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140415004716/http://giantlife.com/322111/behind-the-scenes-of-beyonces-sweet-dreams-video/ |archive-date=April 15, 2014}}

"Sweet Dreams" was added to US contemporary hit radio and rhythmic contemporary radio playlists on June 2, 2009. Dance remixes of the song alongside the album version of "Ego" and its remixes were later released on the same digital EP on August 17, 2009, in the US.

"Sweet Dreams" was acclaimed by critics, some of whom praised its dark tone and electropop sound that is different from Beyoncé's previous work. James Montgomery of MTV News wrote that Beyoncé's vocals, which he called, "icy and cool, slippery like mercury [and] nothing to scoff at either", help make the song an "undeniable smash" that is unique compared to the work of other artists. Jennifer Vineyard of the same publication argued that the rock elements and smooth vocals contribute to Beyoncé's "fierce" alter ego, who "dares the listener to dream of her, warning that it might be a 'beautiful nightmare'."{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1597718/beyonces-i-sasha-fierce-album-preview.jhtml |title=Beyoncé Album Preview: I Am ... Sasha Fierce Shines Light On B's Alter Ego |first=Jennifer |last=Vineyard |publisher=MTV News. MTV Networks |date=October 23, 2008 |access-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120209055707/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1597718/beyonces-i-sasha-fierce-album-preview.jhtml |archive-date=February 9, 2012 }} Arielle Castillo of Miami New Times noted that "Sweet Dreams" is another one of Jim Jonsin's productions with a keyboard-propelled arrangement, but unlike the material Jonsin crafted for Soulja Boy, the song is "swirling, and darker". Joey Guerra of the Houston Chronicle and Gary Trust of Billboard magazine agreed and said the song is one of Beyoncé's purest dance songs and is "an irresistible call to the dance floor".{{cite news |url=https://www.chron.com/entertainment/music/article/CD-showcases-Beyonc-s-split-personality-1675646.php |title=CD showcases Beyoncé's split personality |work=Houston Chronicle |publisher=Hearst Corporation |first=Joey |last=Guerra |date=November 17, 2008 |access-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-date=October 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020074025/https://www.chron.com/entertainment/music/article/CD-showcases-Beyonc-s-split-personality-1675646.php}}{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/266751/beyonces-singles-viva-variety|title=Beyoncé's 'Single's: Viva Variety |magazine=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media |first=Gary |last=Trust |date=November 10, 2009 |access-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-date=October 23, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023233023/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/266751/beyonces-singles-viva-variety}} Describing "Sweet Dreams" as a "cool dance track", Dennis Amith of {{nowrap|J!-ENT}} complimented its arrangement, calling it "experimental" with "cool transitions".{{cite web |url=http://j-entonline.com/world-groove/beyonce-i-amsasha-fierce-a-j-ent-world-groove-album-review/ |title=Beyoncé – I Am... Sasha Fierce (a J!-ENT World Groove Album Review) |first=Dennis |last=Amith |publisher=J!-ENT. Japanese Television Networks |date=November 19, 2008 |access-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305063425/http://j-entonline.com/worldwide-entertainment-news/world-groove/beyonce-i-amsasha-fierce-a-j-ent-world-groove-album-review/}}

Adam Mazmanian of The Washington Times described the song as "a gritty slow grind with a salacious bassline" and noted that Beyoncé "delivers a near parody of a {{nowrap|good-girl}} voice" while singing the chorus. Ryan Dombal of Pitchfork Media wrote that "Sweet Dreams" sounds like a song Rihanna would sing.{{cite web |url=http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/12462-i-am-sasha-fierce/ |title=Album Reviews: Beyoncé: I Am... Sasha Fierce |first=Ryan |last=Dombal |publisher=Pitchfork Media. Ryan Schreiber |date=November 21, 2008 |access-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-date=January 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119184048/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/12462-i-am-sasha-fierce/}} Echoing Dombal's sentiments, Nick Levine of Digital Spy wrote that the best song on the Sasha Fierce disc is a "dark[ish] electropop track called 'Sweet Dreams', [which] actually sounds like the cousin of Rihanna's 'Disturbia'".{{cite web |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/music/album-reviews/a136159/beyonc-i-am-sasha-fierce/ |title=Music – Album Review – Beyoncé: 'I Am... Sasha Fierce' |first=Nick |last=Levine |publisher=Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi Médias |date=November 17, 2008 |access-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-date=October 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023120850/https://www.digitalspy.com/music/album-reviews/a136159/beyonc-i-am-sasha-fierce/}} On a separate review for the single, Levine awarded "Sweet Dreams" a rating of four stars out of five, and commented that the song seduces listeners with its catchy chorus hook, and thereafter keeps them intrigued by "placing a hint of darkness just beneath the shiny, synthy surface". Spence D. of IGN Music wrote that though "Sweet Dreams" is not a "stellar track", it is superior to other album tracks, including "Diva" and "Radio". Similarly, Vicki Lutas of BBC Music wrote that even though "Sweet Dreams" appears to lack something, it is undeniably a good song overall. She added that "Sweet Dreams" may not be Beyoncé's finest or most memorable work, but it remains her best offering since her 2003 song "Crazy in Love". Lutas also commended Beyoncé's vocal delivery, which he described as "beautiful and soft, yet strong and powerful". Talia Kraines of the same publication wrote that "Sweet Dreams" is one of the standout tracks on the Sasha Fierce disc though she believed Beyoncé did not get as experimental as she did on her 2006 song "Ring the Alarm".{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/pxbd |title=Beyoncé I Am...Sasha Fierce Review |first=Talia |last=Kraines |publisher=BBC Music. BBC |date=November 28, 2008 |access-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-date=November 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127105521/https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/pxbd/}}

"Sweet Dreams" earned Beyoncé the Best Female Vocal accolade at the 2009 Music MP3 Awards.{{cite web| url=http://www.mtv.co.uk/news/kings-of-leon/164814-mp3-music-award-winners-announced |title=MP3 Music Award Winners Announced |date=November 13, 2009 |access-date=March 17, 2010 |publisher=MTV UK. MTV Networks |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329025304/http://www.mtv.co.uk/kings-of-leon/news/mp3-music-award-winners-announced}} It was nominated for Best R&B/Urban Dance Track at the 25th Annual International Dance Music Awards, but lost to the Black Eyed Peas's 2009 song "I Gotta Feeling".{{cite web |url=http://dancemusic.about.com/od/intldancemusicawards/a/2010_International_Dance_Music_Awards_25th_Annual_Nominees_and_Winners.htm |title=2010 International Dance Music Awards at Winter Music Conference – Winners |first=DJ Ron |last=Slomowicz |publisher=About.com. The New York Times Company |date=March 31, 2010 |access-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305222539/http://dancemusic.about.com/od/intldancemusicawards/a/2010_International_Dance_Music_Awards_25th_Annual_Nominees_and_Winners.htm |archive-date=March 5, 2012 }} It was also nominated for the Viewers Choice Award at the 2010 BET Awards.{{cite web |url=http://randb.about.com/od/musicawardsshows/a/2010BETAwards.htm |title=2010 BET Awards |first=Mark |last=Edward Nero |publisher=About.com. The New York Times Company |date=May 18, 2010 |access-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 21, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130421063235/http://randb.about.com/od/musicawardsshows/a/2010BETAwards.htm}} The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) recognized "Sweet Dreams" as one of the most performed songs of 2009 at the 27th ASCAP Pop Music Awards.{{cite web|url=http://www.ascap.com/eventsawards/awards/popawards/2010/Most_Performed_Songs.aspx |title=Mariah Carey Wins 2010 ASCAP Pop Music Awards |publisher=American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers |date=April 20, 2010 |access-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160503155019/http://www.ascap.com/eventsawards/awards/popawards/2010/most_performed_songs.aspx}} On the occasion of Beyoncé's thirtieth birthday, Erika Ramirez and Jason Lipshutz of Billboard magazine ranked the song at number 21 on their list of Beyoncé's 30 biggest Billboard hits, and noted that its electropop sound, which was in contrast to Beyoncé's previous singles, showcased her range of talent.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/list/467645/beyonces-30-biggest-billboard-hits|title=Beyoncé's 30 Biggest Billboard Hits|page=1|first1=Erika|last1=Ramirez|first2=Jason|last2=Lipshutz|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112032815/https://www.billboard.com/articles/list/467645/beyonces-30-biggest-billboard-hits}} On The Village Voice{{'}}s 2009 Pazz & Jop singles list, "Sweet Dreams" was ranked at number 115.{{cite web|url=http://www.villagevoice.com/pazznjop/singles/2009/|title=New York Pazz and Jop Singles – 2009|work=The Village Voice|publisher=Village Voice Media|access-date=March 19, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 22, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100122085408/http://www.villagevoice.com/pazznjop/singles/2009/}} In 2013, John Boone and Jennifer Cady of E! Online placed the song at number five on their list of ten best Beyoncé's songs, writing that Beyoncé "stepped away from R&B roots with this surreal electropop tune, which features these standout lyrics: 'My guilty pleasure, I ain't going nowhere / As long as you're here, I'll be floating on air' (which, from Bey's mouth, sounds like the greatest threat ever)".{{cite web |url=https://www.eonline.com/photos/7684/top-10-best-beyonc-songs |title=Top 10 Best Beyoncé Songs|first1=John|last1=Boone|first2=Jennifer|last2=Cady|publisher=E! Online. NBCUniversal|date=January 30, 2013|access-date=April 28, 2013|page=6 |url-status=live |archive-date=January 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127031723/https://www.eonline.com/photos/7684/top-10-best-beyonc-songs}}

"Sweet Dreams" debuted at number 97 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart issue dated August 8, 2009.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/2009-08-08 |title=Hot 100 – Week of August 8, 2009 |magazine=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media |access-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-date=November 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130174045/https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/2009-08-08}} It peaked at number ten for two non-consecutive weeks on the charts issued dated November 7 and 21, 2009 and become her fourth top 10 single from album.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/2009-11-07 |title=Hot 100 – Week of November 7, 2009 |magazine=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media |access-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-date=September 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190921015746/https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/2009-11-07}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/2009-11-21 |title=Hot 100 – Week of November 21, 2009 |magazine=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media |access-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-date=January 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122141321/https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/2009-11-21}} The song became Beyoncé's thirteenth top ten Hot 100 single as a solo artist during the 2000s, and tied her with Ludacris and {{nowrap|T-Pain}} for second-most top tens on the chart since 2000; Beyoncé's husband Jay-Z lead with fourteen in that period. Beyoncé's is the third song titled "Sweet Dreams" to reach the top ten of the Hot 100 chart, following "Sweet Dreams" by Air Supply in 1982 and "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" by Eurythmics in 1983.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/266889/chart-beat-thursday-taylor-swift-tim-mcgraw-linked-again|first=Gary|last=Trust|title=Chart Beat Thursday: Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw Linked Again|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media |date=July 11, 2009 |access-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-date=October 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024221223/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/266889/chart-beat-thursday-taylor-swift-tim-mcgraw-linked-again}} For the week ending September 12, 2009, it topped the US Hot Dance Club Songs chart; it became Beyoncé's eleventh number-one song, and was the fourth song from I Am... Sasha Fierce to top that chart. "Sweet Dreams" tied Beyoncé with Kristine W for second-most number one songs on the Hot Dance Club Songs during the 2000s.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/267521/chart-beat-wednesday-kiss-beyonce-david-gray |title=Chart Beat Wednesday: Kiss, Beyoncé, David Gray |first=Trust |last=Gary |date=September 2, 2009 |magazine=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media |access-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128034523/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/267521/chart-beat-wednesday-kiss-beyonce-david-gray |archive-date=January 28, 2021}} "Sweet Dreams" was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), denoting sales of one million digital copies.{{cite web |url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=Sweet+Dreams#search_section |title=Gold & Platinum 'Sweet Dreams' Certifications |publisher=Recording Industry Association of America |date=January 5, 2010 |access-date=February 19, 2012 |archive-date=February 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210203093808/https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=Sweet+Dreams#search_section |url-status=live }} As of October 2012, it had sold 1,691,000 digital downloads in the US.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/chartbeat/474549/ask-billboard-the-twitter-sized-edition |title= Ask Billboard: The Twitter-Sized Edition |first=Gary |last=Trust |date=October 20, 2012 |access-date=October 20, 2012 |magazine=Billboard |url-status=live |archive-date=January 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125112856/https://www.billboard.com/articles/chartbeat/474549/ask-billboard-the-twitter-sized-edition}}

In the United Kingdom, "Sweet Dreams" debuted at number 52 on the UK Singles Chart on July 18, 2009.{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/sweet-dreams/ |title=UK Top 100 Singles Official Charts Company – Sweet Dreams |access-date=February 19, 2012 |publisher=Official Charts Company |url-status=live |archive-date=November 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128211534/https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/sweet-dreams/}} It peaked at number five on the UK Singles Chart on August 9, 2009 for three consecutive weeks, and became Beyoncé's eighth top ten single in Britain as a solo artist.{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/12465/beyonce/ |title=Chart Statistics – Beyoncé |access-date=February 19, 2012 |publisher=Official Charts Company |url-status=live |archive-date=January 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210103184209/https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/12465/beyonce/}} In Australia, the song peaked at number two on the ARIA Singles Chart on August 9, 2009.{{cite web|url=http://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Beyonc%E9&titel=Sweet+Dreams&cat=s |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120707232217/http://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Beyonc%E9&titel=Sweet+Dreams&cat=s |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 7, 2012 |title=Beyoncé – Sweet Dreams |access-date=February 19, 2012 |publisher=Australian-charts.com. Hung Medien }} The song spent 38 consecutive weeks on the ARIA Singles Chart, where it last charted on March 1, 2010;{{cite web |url=http://www.aria.com.au/Issue1044.pdf |archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20100304130000/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20100305-0000/Issue1044.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=2010-03-04 |title=Week Commencing ~ 1 March 2010 ~ The ARIA Report |access-date=February 19, 2012 |issue=1044 |publisher=ARIA Charts. Australian Web Archive }}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} it was certified 4× platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) in 2023, for 280,000 equivalent units.

Outside of United Kingdom, "Sweet Dreams" met some success accross Europe, less however than previous "I am... Sasha Fierce" singles.

Thus, the track reached the top ten in Germany, Czech Republic, Norway, Slovakia, Spain, Portugal and Hungary,{{cite web|url=https://slagerlistak.hu/archivum/kereso-eloado-cim-szerint|title=Hungarian charts - Beyonce - Sweet Dreams|date=September 15, 2009|access-date=December 10, 2009}}{{cite web|url=http://germancharts.de/weekchart.asp?cat=s&year=2009&date=20090814|title=Gfk entertainment - Beyoncé - Sweet Dreams|date=August 28, 2009|access-date=January 10, 2010}}{{cite web|url=https://archive.today/20120630075031/http://www.ifpicr.cz/hitparada/index.php?a=titul&hitparada=2&titul=147075&sec=77fca05db5c33f7f3102e8b784902897|title=Czech Charts - Beyoncé - Sweet Dreams|date=August 11, 2009|access-date=January 3, 2010}}{{cite web|url=http://spanishcharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Beyonc%E9&titel=Sweet+Dreams&cat=s|title=Spanish Charts - Beyoncé - Sweet Dreams|language=Spanish|work=spanishcharts.com|date=August 11, 2009|access-date=January 3, 2010}}{{cite web|url=http://norwegiancharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Beyonc%E9&titel=Sweet+Dreams&cat=s|title=Norwegian Charts - Beyoncé - Sweet Dreams|language=No|work=norwegiancharts.com|date=August 18, 2009|access-date=January 17, 2010}}{{cite web|url=http://spanishcharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Beyonc%E9&titel=Sweet+Dreams&cat=s|title=Spanish Charts - Beyoncé - Sweet Dreams|language=Spanish|date=August 11, 2009|access-date=January 3, 2010}} top twenty in Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland, Austria and Russia, top thirty in Belgium, and Italy and top fifty in the Netherlands.{{cite web|url=http://swedishcharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Beyonc%E9&titel=Sweet+Dreams&cat=s|title=Swedish Charts - Beyoncé - Sweet Dreams|language=Swedish|date=August 11, 2009|access-date=January 3, 2010}}{{cite web|url=http://austriancharts.at/showitem.asp?interpret=Beyonc%E9&titel=Sweet+Dreams&cat=s|title=Austrian Charts - Beyoncé - Sweet Dreams|language=De|work=austriancharts.at|date=August 11, 2009|access-date=January 3, 2010}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ultratop.be/nl/showitem.asp?interpret=Beyonc%E9&titel=Sweet+Dreams&cat=s|title=Belgian Charts - Beyoncé - Sweet Dreams|language=Dutch|work=ultratop.be|publisher=Ultratop 50|date=September 17, 2009|access-date=January 3, 2010}}

In France, the song didn't entered in the country's official music charts but entered in both French Singles Download Chart and French Airplay Chart, at number 30 and number 2, respectively. It is the third single from "I am... Sasha Fierce" which didn't entered in the time of its release in France.{{cite web|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413155424/http://www.disqueenfrance.com/fr/pag-260585-Telechargement-Titres.html?cid=329176|title=Download Top 50 - Beyoncé - Sweet Dreams|language=Fr|work=lescharts.com|publisher=Syndicat National de l'Edition Phonographique|date=February 17, 2010|access-date=May 3, 2010}}{{cite web|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413145611/http://www.disqueenfrance.com/fr/pag-259838-Radio.html?cid=331196|title=Classement Radio - Beyoncé - Sweet Dreams|language=Fr|work=disqueenfrance.com|publisher=Syndicat National de l'Edition Phonographique|date=January 17, 2010|access-date=May 3, 2010}}

File:Sweetdreamsvideo.jpg|alt=Beyoncé wearing a metallic corset and a pair of sleeves of the same material. She stands and looks at the camera.]]

The accompanying music video for "Sweet Dreams" was directed by Adria Petty, whom Beyoncé chose because of her intelligence and beautiful visual references. After Beyoncé learned the choreography in Los Angeles, the video was shot in a studio in Brooklyn, New York City.{{cite web |url=https://www.rap-up.com/2009/07/08/video-beyonce-sweet-dreams/ |title=Video: Beyoncé – 'Sweet Dreams' |access-date=February 19, 2012 |work=Rap-Up |publisher=Devin Lazerine |url-status=live |archive-date=August 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808145937/https://www.rap-up.com/2009/07/08/video-beyonce-sweet-dreams/}} It was the seventh video from the album, and the second to have complete color, being "Halo"{{'s}} the first. Beyoncé described it as more "graphic" when compared to the previous six videos, and commented it took "Sasha [Fierce] to the next level".{{cite AV media |first=Beyoncé |last=Knowles |date=2009 |title=Above and Beyoncé – Video Collection & Dance Mixes |publisher=Columbia Records |medium=DVD |time=11:07 to 13:03}} In the video, Fierce is symbolized by the golden robot suit she wears; it was designed by French fashion designer Thierry Mugler.

A {{nowrap|green-screen}} and {{nowrap|computer-generated imagery}} (CGI) were used for the video to create a minimal and performance-based clip. The CGI was employed to create a context-less void, as the background was deleted and a void-like digital canvas was created for the dance routine{{cite web |url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/music-video-roundup-beyonces-sweet-dreams-and-yo-la-tengos-here-to-fall/ |title=Music Video Round-Up: Beyoncé's 'Sweet Dreams' and Yo La Tengo's 'Here to Fall' |work=Slant Magazine |date=October 19, 2009 |first=Branon |last=Soderberg |access-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-date=January 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130185658/https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/music-video-roundup-beyonces-sweet-dreams-and-yo-la-tengos-here-to-fall/}} that is executed by Beyoncé and her dancers Saidah Nairobi and Ashley Everett, who all sport numerous flashy and symmetrical costumes throughout the video. Accordingly, there were no concerns of cutting as the images were merged into one another using computers. A high number of camera lens glare effects was used in the video, part of which was inspired by British designer Gareth Pugh's Autumn/Winter 2009 video presentation.{{cite web |url=http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2009/12/29/tamar-counts-down-buzzworthys-top-5-videos-of-2009-number-3-beyonce-sweet-dreams/ |title=Tamar Counts Down Buzzworthy's Top 5 Videos of 2009 – Number 3: Beyoncé, 'Sweet Dreams' |publisher=MTV. MTV Networks |first=Tamar |last=Anitai |date=December 29, 2009 |access-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 4, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170104163407/http://www.mtv.com/news/2294908/tamar-counts-down-buzzworthys-top-5-videos-of-2009-number-3-beyonce-sweet-dreams/}} Beyoncé further commented about the fashion and choreography:

The fashion was extremely important in this video because everything was so minimal ... With the choreography, we really focused on hitting all of the accents in the drum beat. What makes this choreography so interesting is that in one instance, it is very staccato and hard... And the next instance; the movement is very smooth and there are lots of melts with inter-kit movement in the fingers and hands.

On June 12, 2009, a {{nowrap|behind-the-scenes}} video with Beyoncé{{'}} dance rehearsal was released; Beyoncé was dressed in golden costumes and was performing some robotic movements. A {{nowrap|30-second}} clip from the video was posted online on July 8, 2009; it showed Beyoncé alongside her two female {{nowrap|back-up}} dancers in a virtual desert.{{cite web |url=http://www.rap-up.com/2009/07/08/sneak-peek-beyonce-sweet-dreams/ |title=Sneak Peek: Beyoncé – 'Sweet Dreams' |access-date=February 19, 2012 |work=Rap-Up |publisher=Devin Lazerine |url-status=live |archive-date=September 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928032229/https://www.rap-up.com/2009/07/08/sneak-peek-beyonce-sweet-dreams/}} The following day, the full video was leaked online but was soon deleted after Beyoncé's label issued warnings to infringing websites. The video for "Sweet Dreams" premiered on MTV later the same day.{{cite web |url=http://www.beyonceonline.com/us/news/sweet-dreams-video-premieres-today |title="Sweet Dreams" Video – Premieres Today! |publisher=Beyoncé Knowles Official Website |access-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301004156/http://www.beyonceonline.com/us/news/sweet-dreams-video-premieres-today |archive-date=March 1, 2012 }}

The video opens with Beyoncé tossing and turning in her bed; her idea was to make the opening shot look like "a dark fairy tale". As she tries to sleep, Johannes Brahms's "Wiegenlied" plays softly in the background. She then levitates off her bed using her stomach muscles to move the top half of her body. Beyoncé said that the levitation shot was the hardest one as she had difficulties making her neck look straight. She added that the scene represents the nightmare and the white bird flying above her takes her into her dream, which unfolds after the screech of an electric guitar. Beyoncé is transported to a desert and several clouds are present in the background. She wears a black Roberto Cavalli dress and boots; as the music begins, her two backup dancers wearing Gareth Pugh pieces appear. The scene changes into a {{nowrap|computer-generated}} {{nowrap|sci-fi}} landscape where Beyoncé is inscribed with a circle and square in a similar fashion to Leonardo da Vinci's Vitruvian Man. The first chorus is brought in by a subtle {{nowrap|glass-breaking}} sound effect as the {{nowrap|sci-fi}} special effects disappear and Beyoncé appears in a silver {{nowrap|one-shouldered}} mini dress on a white background. Accompanied by her backup dancers, she performs dance moves described as "sophisticated", "street and {{nowrap|hip-busting}}".

The second chorus shows Beyoncé wearing a {{nowrap|silver-lined}} bodysuit while smashing mirrors. During the bridge, the video fades to black and white and Beyoncé appears wearing the gold robot suit, and gold and diamond nail rings valued at $US 36,000 and designed by Jules Kim.{{cite web |url=http://www.lifeandstylemag.com/2009/07/beyonces-35k-nails.html |title=Beyoncé's $36,000 nails! |work=Life & Style |publisher=Bauer Media Group |date=July 14, 2009 |access-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512211637/http://www.lifeandstylemag.com/2009/07/beyonces-35k-nails.html}} With it, she executes some robotic movements. As the chorus begins to play for the third and final time, digital doubling and mirroring are used to create a collection of dance moves and multiple images of Beyoncé arching her back. The gold outfit is then reused, this time in color. Beyoncé performs another dance routine with her two backup dancers, then says, "Turn the lights out", and the video ends.

James Montgomery of MTV News wrote that the video is "an {{nowrap|eye-popping}}, {{nowrap|herky-jerky}}, {{nowrap|high-fashion}}" one. He praised the way Beyoncé "[pops] her pelvis in ways never imagined", and the wardrobe changes in the clip, before concluding: "She expands on her burgeoning robot fetish, flashes the crazy eyes and contorts her body in downright unsettling ways. All of which is to say that 'Sweet Dreams' is just like every amazingly crazy Beyoncé video from the past three years, which — to extend the point — also means that it's pretty great." Olivia Smith of Daily News noted that in the video, Beyoncé references Jane Fonda in the movie Barbarella (1968), Tin Woodman and Pamela Anderson through the different costumes she wears.{{cite news|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music-arts/beyonce-video-sweet-dreams-set-debut-booty-swiveling-gold-femmebot-outfit-article-1.394188|title=Beyoncé video for 'Sweet Dreams' set to debut; more booty swiveling, plus a gold femmebot outfit too|work=Daily News|publisher=Daily News, L.P|first=Olivia|last=Smith|date=July 9, 2009|access-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-date=January 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131202134/https://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music-arts/beyonce-video-sweet-dreams-set-debut-booty-swiveling-gold-femmebot-outfit-article-1.394188}} Smith further compared the video with the one for "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)", writing that Beyoncé reprises some of the moves she performed there. Brandon Soderberg of Slant Magazine described the introductory part of the video as a {{nowrap|David Lynch-like}} mixture of eroticism and symbolism. He added that the video was "one part Victoria's Secret commercial, another part dream logic {{nowrap|anti-narrative}}, and a {{nowrap|CGI-assisted}} freakout all around", and commended the video for being "an excess of body and action, not filmic techniques", adding that the dancing in the video "blow[s] our minds anew".

Rolling Stone found similarities between the video for "Sweet Dreams", Kanye West's video for "Paranoid" (2009) and the cover artworks of English rock band Yes.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/beyonce-furthers-fierce-dancing-craze-in-sweet-dreams-video-88497/|title=Beyoncé Furthers Fierce Dancing Craze in 'Sweet Dreams' Video|magazine=Rolling Stone|url-access=subscription|publisher=Wenner Media|date=July 10, 2009|access-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-date=September 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923095730/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/beyonce-furthers-fierce-dancing-craze-in-sweet-dreams-video-88497/}} Canadian magazine Dose also compared the video with "Paranoid" due to their similar dream sequences.{{cite web|url=http://www.dose.ca/music/story.html?id=71157d04-6f2b-40ff-84c8-bda4d48e2aac|title=C3PO Wishes He Were This Fabulous; Beyoncé Debuts 'Sweet Dreams' Video|work=Dose|publisher=Postmedia Network|date=July 9, 2009|access-date=December 25, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090711235127/http://www.dose.ca/music/story.html?id=71157d04-6f2b-40ff-84c8-bda4d48e2aac|archive-date=July 11, 2009|url-status=dead}} Vicki Lutas of the BBC did not appreciate the first 30 seconds of the video, writing that "the dark, horror-type music, the pumping heartbeat, the equally spooky lullaby, the screech of an electric guitar", gave her the impression that she was watching "some [19]80s magician, with a Beyoncé soundtrack". However, she complimented the rest of the video writing that "things (thankfully) move away from the Hallowe'en cheese and into familiar Beyoncé territory (right from the fact it's proper [19]80s pop through to the video essentially being 'Single Ladies' with Beyoncé and 2 dancers)". Lutas concluded that the video might not be remembered for long or hailed as Beyoncé's finest and more memorable work, but it remains one of the best music videos from Beyoncé she has seen since "Crazy in Love".{{cite web |first=Vicki |last=Lutas |title=Beyoncé – 'Sweet Dreams' |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/chartblog/2009/07/beyonce_sweet_dreams.shtml |publisher=BBC Music. BBC |date=July 25, 2009 |access-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-date=March 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328232700/http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/chartblog/2009/07/beyonce_sweet_dreams.shtml}} Nick Levine of Digital Spy compared the dancing moves in the video with those in "Single Ladies".{{cite news|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/music/a164616/what-does-beyonc-dream-about/|title=What does Beyoncé dream about?|publisher=Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi Médias|first=Nick|last=Levine|date=July 11, 2009|access-date=October 1, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-date=May 31, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200531233942/https://www.digitalspy.com/music/a164616/what-does-beyonc-dream-about/}}

It was ranked at number 13 on BET's Notarized: Top 100 Videos of 2009 countdown.{{cite web|publisher=BET Networks |title=Notarized: Top 100 Videos 2009 |url=http://www.bet.com/OnTV/BETShows/notarized2009_top100videos |access-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100107060108/http://www.bet.com/OnTV/BETShows/notarized2009_top100videos |archive-date=January 7, 2010 }} Tamar Anitai of MTV placed the video at number three on his list of the best five videos of 2009, wrote that it "isn't just another {{nowrap|high-fashion}} look at Beyoncé", and continued, "It's the dark yin to the brighter, lighter fare of 'Single Ladies.' This is a {{nowrap|360-degree}} look at Beyoncé's life: Beyoncé the woman, Sasha Fierce the performer, and the powerful force that occupies the spaces in between." In 2013, John Boone and Jennifer Cady of E! Online placed the video at number ten on their list of Beyoncé's ten best music videos, praising Beyoncé's sexy robotic look.{{cite web |url=http://uk.eonline.com/news/383554/2013-super-bowl-countdown-beyonc-eacute-s-top-10-music-videos-ever|title=2013 Super Bowl Countdown: Beyoncé's Top 10 Music Videos Ever!|publisher=E! Online. E!|first1=John|last1=Boone|first2=Jennifer|last2=Cady|date=February 1, 2013|access-date=April 28, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-date=July 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715151920/https://www.eonline.com/news/383554/2013-super-bowl-countdown-beyonc-eacute-s-top-10-music-videos-ever}}

File:Flickr - smilesea - Beyoncé I Am... Tour Newcastle 03.jpg.|alt=A picture of Beyoncé performing live. She wears a dress and walks on a stage.]]

Beyoncé was due to perform "Sweet Dreams" at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards on September 13.{{cite web|last=Montgomery |first=James |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1619684/beyonce-to-perform-at-2009-mtv-vmas/ |title=Beyoncé To Perform at 2009 MTV VMAs – News Story | Music, Celebrity, Artist News | MTV News |publisher=MTV News. MTV Networks |date=August 27, 2009 |access-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125184915/http://www.mtv.com/news/1619684/beyonce-to-perform-at-2009-mtv-vmas/}} However, last minute changes were brought to her performance that night; wearing a leotard and a silver glove, Beyoncé sang a short drum-led remix of "Sweet Dreams" before switching to "Single Ladies", accompanied by two female backup dancers.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1621402/beyonce-calls-out-to-all-the-single-ladies-at-the-2009-vmas/|title=Beyoncé Calls Out To All The 'Single Ladies' At The 2009 VMAs|publisher=MTV News. MTV Networks|first=Hillary|last=Crosley|date=September 13, 2009|access-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125174752/http://www.mtv.com/news/1621402/beyonce-calls-out-to-all-the-single-ladies-at-the-2009-vmas/}} Wearing a red Agent Provocateur corset, stockings and long satin gloves, Beyoncé sang "Sweet Dreams" at the MTV Europe Music Awards 2009 on November 5.{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/music-news/6511464/MTV-Europe-Music-Awards-in-Berlin-Beyonce-wears-Cheryl-Cole-dress.html|title=MTV Europe Music Awards in Berlin: Beyoncé wears Cheryl Cole dress|work=The Daily Telegraph|first=Anita|last=Singh|date=November 6, 2009|access-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-date=April 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407154848/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/music-news/6511464/MTV-Europe-Music-Awards-in-Berlin-Beyonce-wears-Cheryl-Cole-dress.html}} Charly Wilder of Spin magazine commented that Beyoncé overshadowed American singer Katy Perry (host of the event) "with her mesmerizing, {{nowrap|sexed-up}} rendition" of "Sweet Dreams".{{cite web |url=https://www.spin.com/2009/11/best-berlin-u2-jay-z-beyonce/ |title=Best of Berlin: U2, Jay-Z, Beyoncé |first=Charly |last=Wilder |work=Spin |publisher=Spin Media LLC |date=November 6, 2009 |access-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-date=February 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200205191833/https://www.spin.com/2009/11/best-berlin-u2-jay-z-beyonce/}}

"Sweet Dreams" was not regularly performed on the I Am... World Tour, a 2009–10 world tour in support of I Am... Sasha Fierce, but a video interlude featuring the song was included.{{cite news |url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/article/20091031/ARTICLE/310319938/1002 |title=Beyoncé Bowls Abu Dhabi Over |work=Khaleej Times |publisher=Galadari Printing and Publishing |first=Adam |last=Zacharias |date=October 31, 2009 |access-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-date=April 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413022849/https://www.khaleejtimes.com/article/20091031/ARTICLE/310319938/1002}} Beyoncé sang an acoustic and downtempo rendition of the song live during the concert residency I Am... Yours that was held at the Encore Theater in Las Vegas on August 2, 2009.{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2009/11/12/new-music-beyonce-sweet-dreams-acoustic/|title=New Music: Beyoncé – 'Sweet Dreams (Acoustic)'|work=Rap-Up|publisher=Devin Lazerine|access-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-date=October 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030135908/https://www.rap-up.com/2009/11/12/new-music-beyonce-sweet-dreams-acoustic/}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/266828/beyonce-preps-live-release-network-special-lady-gaga-collaboration|title=Beyoncé Preps Live Release, Network Special, Lady Gaga Collaboration|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|first=Kelsey|last=Paine|date=November 3, 2009|access-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-date=June 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622170336/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/266828/beyonce-preps-live-release-network-special-lady-gaga-collaboration}} She blended it into a romantic medley that also included her 2003 song "Dangerously in Love 2" and Anita Baker's 1986 song "Sweet Love".(2009) Album notes for I Am... Yours: An Intimate Performance at Wynn Las Vegas by Beyoncé Knowles. Music World Entertainment/Columbia Records.{{cite web|url=http://www.bet.com/video/music/b/beyonce/sweet-dreams-live-at-wynn-las.html |title=Beyoncé – Sweet Dreams (Live at Wynn Las Vegas) |publisher=Black Entertainment Television. BET Networks |access-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 9, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120209015628/http://www.bet.com/video/music/b/beyonce/sweet-dreams-live-at-wynn-las.html}} The performance was subsequently included on her 2009 CD/DVD live album I Am... Yours: An Intimate Performance at Wynn Las Vegas.{{cite web |url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r1700137|pure_url=yes}} |title=I Am...Yours: An Intimate Performance at Wynn Las Vegas |publisher=Allmusic. Rovi Corporation |first=Andy |access-date=February 19, 2012 |last=Kellman |url-status=live |archive-date=October 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191006141648/https://www.allmusic.com/album/i-amyours-an-intimate-performance-at-wynn-las-vegas-mw0001332449}} Beyoncé performed "Sweet Dreams" live at her historic headlining Glastonbury Festival Performance on June 26, 2011; she mixed it with "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" by Eurythmics.{{cite web|url=http://www.nme.com/news/nme/57589|title=Beyoncé covers Kings of Leon and Prince at Glastonbury|work=NME|publisher=IPC Media |date=June 27, 2011|access-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180910061220/https://www.nme.com/news/music/nme-868-1274490}} In 2023, portions of "Sweet Dreams" were included on the performance of "Alien Superstar" during the Renaissance World Tour.{{Cite magazine |last=Blistein |first=Jon |date=2023-05-10 |title=Beyoncé's 'Renaissance' Tour Has Freaking Robots |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/beyonce-perform-cozy-robots-renaissance-tour-opener-1234733103/ |access-date=2023-10-30 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US |quote=The show has also featured a few era-bending mash-ups of old and new favorites, like "Alien Superstar" and "Sweet Dreams".}}

"Sweet Dreams" was used in a commercial for Crystal Geyser bottled water in which Beyoncé appeared; she dances and drinks water while the song is played in the background.{{cite web|url=https://www.elperiodico.com/es/gente/20090803/los-famosos-protagonizan-espots-de-agua-y-refrescos-240454 |title=Los famosos protagonizan espots de agua y refrescos|trans-title=Celebrities star in water and soft drink TV spots|work=El Periódico|language=es|location=Barcelona|first=Mireya|last=Roca|date=August 3, 2009|access-date=January 26, 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126065937/https://www.elperiodico.com/es/gente/20090803/los-famosos-protagonizan-espots-de-agua-y-refrescos-240454|archive-date=January 26, 2021}}

An unofficial remix of "Sweet Dreams", featuring American rappers Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj, was included on Wayne's 2009 mixtape No Ceilings.{{cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2020/08/lil-wayne-no-ceilings-mixtape-streaming|title=Lil Wayne's 'No Ceilings' Mixtape Is Now Available on Streaming Services|first=Abel|last=Shifferaw|date=August 20, 2020|access-date=February 2, 2021|work=Complex |url-status=live |archive-date=August 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200828154422/https://www.complex.com/music/2020/08/lil-wayne-no-ceilings-mixtape-streaming}}{{cite web|url=https://www.vogue.es/living/articulos/beyonce-canciones-menos-conocidas|title=10 canciones de Beyoncé menos conocidas que tienes que escuchar|language=es|trans-title=10 lesser known Beyoncé songs you have to listen to|first=Hattie|last=Collins|date=July 7, 2020|access-date=February 2, 2021|work=Vogue Spain |url-status=live |archive-date=November 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101115133/https://www.vogue.es/living/articulos/beyonce-canciones-menos-conocidas}} English {{nowrap|electro-rock}} duo the Big Pink covered the song in a live session for BBC Radio 1 on November 7, 2009.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/livelounge/artist/091107_thebigpink.shtml|title=BBC – Radio 1 – Live Lounge – The Big Pink|publisher=BBC Radio. BBC |date=November 7, 2009|access-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-date=September 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922054413/http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/livelounge/artist/091107_thebigpink.shtml}} They also performed it at the 2010 Isle of Wight Festival on June 13, 2010.{{cite web|url=http://www.nme.com/news/the-big-pink/51492|title=Big Pink cover Beyoncé at Isle of Wight Festival|work=NME|publisher=IPC Media|date=June 13, 2010|access-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304222922/http://www.nme.com/news/the-big-pink/51492}} The cover later became the B-side to their 2010 single "Tonight".{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/38662-the-big-pink-release-free-remix-ep/|title=The Big Pink Release Free Remix EP|publisher=Pitchfork|first=Tom|last=Breihan|date=April 30, 2010|access-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303232251/http://pitchfork.com/news/38662-the-big-pink-release-free-remix-ep/}} Jon Caramanica of The New York Times commented that their version had a "disarmingly flat affect, delivering it as the ramble of a neurotic" when compared to the original.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/05/arts/music/05pink.html?_r=1 |title=Feelings? Forget 'Em |work=The New York Times |first=Jon |last=Caramanica |date=December 4, 2009 |url-access=registration |access-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-date=April 17, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140417113506/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/05/arts/music/05pink.html?_r=1}} Likewise, Pitchfork's Ryan Dombal felt that their cover "obliterates the original's {{nowrap|Hi-NRG}} pulse, turning it into something a lot moodier and creepier".{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/37171-listen-the-big-pink-cover-beyonce/|title=Listen: The Big Pink Cover Beyoncé|publisher=Pitchfork|first=Ryan|last=Dombal|date=November 20, 2009|access-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306040807/http://pitchfork.com/news/37171-listen-the-big-pink-cover-beyonce/}}

On November 1, 2010, American professional basketball player, Shaquille O'Neal, dressed as his female alter ego Shaquita for Halloween, and gave a {{nowrap|lip-synching}} performance of Beyoncé's "Sweet Dreams".{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/952032/billboard-bits-is-kim-kardashian-recording-an-album |title=Shaq Channels Beyoncé on Halloween |magazine=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media |date=November 1, 2010 |access-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-date=March 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316011323/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/952032/billboard-bits-is-kim-kardashian-recording-an-album}} In September 2011, Jade Collins covered "Sweet Dreams" during an episode of the ninth series of The X Factor.{{cite web|url=https://www.itv.com/news/2012-09-15/x-factor-xxx|title=Irish teen Jade Collins wows The X Factor judges|publisher=itv|date=September 15, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-date=December 21, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121221065628/http://www.itv.com/news/2012-09-15/x-factor-xxx/}} On October 27, 2012, boy band Union J covered the song during the same season of the show.{{cite web|url=https://www.whatsontv.co.uk/union-j-perched-on-a-car-and-sang-beyonces-sweet-dreams-to-a-largely-positive-response-from-the-panel/|title=Union J perched on a car and sang Beyonce's Sweet Dreams, to a largely positive response from the panel|work=What's on TV|access-date=February 4, 2021|url-status=live|archive-date=February 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204212034/https://www.whatsontv.co.uk/union-j-perched-on-a-car-and-sang-beyonces-sweet-dreams-to-a-largely-positive-response-from-the-panel/}}

On March 28, 2012, Jessica Sanchez, a contestant of the eleventh season of American Idol, covered "Sweet Dreams" performing a slow-tempo ballad version of the song accompanied at the beginning by harps.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1682019/american-idol-standing-ovations-joshua-ledet-heejun-han/|title='American Idol': Who Didn't Get A Standing O?|publisher=MTV News. MTV Networks|first=Adam|last=Graham|date=March 28, 2012|access-date=April 1, 2012|url-status=dead |archive-date=August 9, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809223716/http://www.mtv.com/news/1682019/american-idol-standing-ovations-joshua-ledet-heejun-han/ }} Her performance received favorable comments and a standing ovation from the judges of the show.{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/BL-SEB-69535|title='American Idol,' Season 11, '9 Finalists Compete': TV Recap|work=The Wall Street Journal|publisher=Dow Jones & Company|first=Stephanie|last=Krikorian|date=March 28, 2012|access-date=April 1, 2012|url-access=subscription|url-status=live |archive-date=May 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180526232133/https://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2012/03/28/american-idol-season-11-9-finalists-compete-tv-recap/?guid=BL-SEB-69535&dsk=y}} Jennifer Lopez commented, "You did a beautiful job on it ... If I was Beyoncé and I was home and I heard that, I'd be like 'I got to do that in my next concert, slow that one down.'" Steven Tyler described Sanchez's performance as "great" while Randy Jackson noted that it was "unbelievable, sensational".{{cite news|url=http://www.longislandpress.com/2012/03/29/jessica-sanchez-sweet-dreams-performance-video/|title=Jessica Sanchez 'Sweet Dreams' Performance (Video)|work=Long Island Press|publisher=Morey Publishing|first=Jessica|last=Sinclair|date=March 29, 2012|access-date=April 1, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140414014352/http://archive.longislandpress.com/2012/03/29/jessica-sanchez-sweet-dreams-performance-video/}}{{cite news|url=https://www.newsday.com/entertainment/tv/jessica-sanchez-s-unbelievable-sensational-slowed-down-beyonc%C3%A9-on-american-idol-1.3628941|title=Jessica Sanchez's 'unbelievable, sensational' slowed-down Beyoncé on 'American Idol'|first=Jamshid|last=Mousavinezhad|work=Newsday|date=March 28, 2012|access-date=April 1, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-date=April 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140414172953/http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/tv/american-idol-newsday-results-news-commentary-contestants-1.811965/jessica-sanchez-s-unbelievable-sensational-slowed-down-beyonce-on-american-idol-1.3628941?qr=1 |url-access=subscription}} James Montgomery of MTV News graded her performance with a B, and called the cover "a bit of an odd choice, and yet also a supremely confident one". He added, "For once, she pulled things back, and maybe suffered a bit for doing so, but there were still plenty of subtly great moments, particularly in the verses. Might not have been her best—it definitely lacked in vocal fireworks ... And really, it was good enough".{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1682038/american-idol-joshua-ledet-heejun-han/|title='American Idol' Report Card: Joshua Ledet, Heejun Han Back In The Hunt|publisher=MTV News. MTV Networks|first=James|last=Montgomery|date=March 29, 2012|access-date=April 2, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 22, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171122002443/http://www.mtv.com/news/1682038/american-idol-joshua-ledet-heejun-han/}}

Mellisa Locker of Rolling Stone praised Sanchez's performance, calling it a "brilliant job" and adding that "it's risky, but Beyoncé has done it, and if anyone can pull off a dazzling repeat performance, it's Jessica". She further compared the performance with the dream sequence from the 1945 film Spellbound but noted that it was "slightly weirder".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/movie-news/american-idol-recap-go-your-own-way-54050/|title='American Idol' Recap: Go Your Own Way|magazine=Rolling Stone|url-access=subscription|publisher=Wenner Media|first=Mellisa|last=Locker|date=March 29, 2012|access-date=April 1, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-date=February 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205011203/https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/movie-news/american-idol-recap-go-your-own-way-54050/}} Jim Farber of the Daily News commented that "her take on a song by her clear role model, Beyoncé, showed too much similarity in their timbres and phrasing, making Sanchez's voice seem redundant ... despite the fact she switched up the arrangement of the bootylicious song she chose, 'Sweet Dreams.'"{{cite news|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/american-idol-recap-jessica-sanchez-performance-beyonce-sweet-dreams-not-dreamy-article-1.1052567|title='American Idol' recap: Jessica Sanchez's performance of Beyoncé's 'Sweet Dreams' not too dreamy|work=Daily News|publisher=Daily News, L.P|first=Jim|last=Farber|date=March 29, 2012|access-date=April 1, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-date=July 29, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160729073755/https://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/american-idol-recap-jessica-sanchez-performance-beyonce-sweet-dreams-not-dreamy-article-1.1052567}} Amy Reiter of the Los Angeles Times wrote, "Sanchez gave yet another perfectly calibrated performance with Beyoncé's 'Sweet Dreams,' balancing restraint and power. Everything from her voice to her dress to the red door she walked through seemed polished and tour-ready".{{cite news|url=https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2012/03/stevie-nicks-mentors-american-idol-top-9.html|title='American Idol' recap: Stevie Nicks mentors top 9|work=Los Angeles Times|first=Amy|last=Reiter|date=March 29, 2012|access-date=April 1, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-date=December 31, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141231103142/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2012/03/stevie-nicks-mentors-american-idol-top-9.html}} The Arizona Republic{{'}}s Randy Cordova praised the performance, saying that the slow-tempo version allowed Sanchez "to really delve into the song's emotional core".{{cite news|url=http://archive.azcentral.com/thingstodo/music/articles/2012/03/28/20120328american-idol-rewind-stevie-nicks.html|title='American Idol' rewind: Reasons to love Stevie Nicks|work=The Arizona Republic|publisher=Gannett Company|first=Randy|last=Cordova|date=March 28, 2012|access-date=April 2, 2012}} The Hollywood Reporter{{'}}s Erin Carlson praised the tonned-down theatrical stage during the performance and Sanchez's vibrato voice, further describing the performance as a {{nowrap|"near-perfection"}}.{{cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/american-idol-recap-stevie-nicks-crushes-phillip-phillips-025610094.html|title='American Idol' Recap: Stevie Nicks Crushes on Phillip Phillips|work=The Hollywood Reporter|publisher=Prometheus Global Media (hosted by Yahoo! Entertainment)|first=Erin|last=Carlson|date=March 28, 2012|access-date=May 22, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-date=September 30, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150930071809/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/idol-worship/american-idol-recap-phillip-phillips-stevie-nicks-305486}}

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• "Ego / Sweet Dreams (Singles & Dance Mixes)"{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/ego-sweet-dreams-singles-dance-mixes/322994340|title=Ego / Sweet Dreams (Singles & Dance Mixes)|publisher=The iTunes Store (US). Apple Inc|access-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-date=February 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205050018/https://music.apple.com/us/album/ego-sweet-dreams-singles-dance-mixes/322994340}}

1. "Ego"  – 3:57
2. "Ego" (DJ Escape & Johnny Vicious Club Remix)  – 8:22
3. "Ego" (Slang "Big Ego" Club Remix)  – 6:18
4. "Sweet Dreams"  – 3:28
5. "Sweet Dreams" (OK DAC Club Remix)  – 5:14
6. "Sweet Dreams" (Karmatronic Club Remix)  – 6:36

• Germany digital EP{{cite web| url=https://music.apple.com/de/album/sweet-dreams-ep/325180521| title=Sweet Dreams – EP |publisher=The iTunes Store (Germany). Apple Inc |language=de |access-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-date=February 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205050609/https://music.apple.com/de/album/sweet-dreams-ep/325180521}}

1. "Sweet Dreams"  – 3:28
2. "Sweet Dreams" (Groove Police Remix – Radio Edit)  – 3:10
3. "Ego"  – 3:57
4. "Ego" (Remix) [feat. Kanye West]  – 4:43
5. "Sweet Dreams" (Video)  – 4:00
6. "Ego" (Remix) [feat. Kanye West] (Video)  – 4:52

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• Digital EP{{cite web| url=https://music.apple.com/zw/album/sweet-dreams-ep/324702259 | title=Sweet Dreams – EP|access-date=February 6, 2021 |publisher=The iTunes Store (Zimbabwe) |url-status=live |archive-date=February 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205051832/https://music.apple.com/zw/album/sweet-dreams-ep/324702259}}

1. "Sweet Dreams" (Dave Spoon Remix)   – 7:07
2. "Sweet Dreams" (Steve Pitron & Max Sanna Remix – Radio Edit)   – 3:37
3. "Sweet Dreams" (Steve Pitron & Max Sanna Club Remix)   – 7:38
4. "Sweet Dreams" (Oli Collins & Fred Portelli Remix)   – 5:38
5. "Sweet Dreams"  – 3:28

• Digital single; Germany and UK CD single{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/au/album/sweet-dreams-single/323121107|title=Sweet Dreams – Single|publisher=The iTunes Store (Australia). Apple Inc|access-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-date=February 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205052422/https://music.apple.com/au/album/sweet-dreams-single/323121107}}{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/nz/album/sweet-dreams-single/323121107 |title=Sweet Dreams – Single|publisher= The iTunes Store (New Zealand). Apple Inc|access-date=February 19, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-date=July 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716080327/https://music.apple.com/nz/album/sweet-dreams-single/323121107}}

1. "Sweet Dreams"  – 3:28
2. "Sweet Dreams" (Steve Pitron & Max Sanna Remix) [Radio Edit]  – 3:35

• UK download single{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002IO549S |title=Sweet Dreams (Download Single) |access-date=February 19, 2012 |publisher=Amazon (United Kingdom) |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 14, 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130114010634/http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002IO549S }}

1. "Sweet Dreams"  – 3:28

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Credits are taken from I Am... Sasha Fierce liner notes.{{cite AV media notes |title=I Am... Sasha Fierce |type=Liner notes |title-link=I Am... Sasha Fierce |others=Beyoncé Knowles |year=2008 |first=Beyoncé |last=Knowles |author-link=Beyoncé Knowles |publisher=Columbia Records |id=88607 42884 2 |location=New York City }}

• Beyoncé Knowles – lead vocals, music producer, songwriter
• Rico Love – vocal producer, music producer, songwriter, additional vocals
• Jim Caruana – recording engineer
• James Scheffer – music producer, songwriter
• Wayne Wilkins – songwriter, audio mixer, music producer

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{{Certification Table Top}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|type=single|relyear=2009|certyear=2023|artist=Beyonce|title=Sweet Dreams|award=Platinum|number=4|refname="plat"|access-date=May 3, 2023}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|artist=Beyoncé|title=Halo|award=Platinum|type=single|relyear=2009|certyear=2021|access-date=August 10, 2022}}

{{certification Table Entry|type=single|region=Denmark|artist=Beyonce|title=Sweet Dreams|award=Gold|relyear=2009|certyear=2013|id=6329|access-date=November 5, 2014}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Germany|artist=Beyoncé|title=Sweet Dreams|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=2009|certyear=2022|access-date=December 22, 2022}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|type=single|artist=Beyonce|title=Sweet Dreams|award=Platinum|number=2|relyear=2009|certyear=2023|refname=nzcert|source=radioscope|access-date=2024-12-17}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=single|relyear=2009|certyear=2018|artist=Beyonce|title=Sweet Dreams|award=Platinum|id=6411-682-1|access-date=November 5, 2009}}

{{certification Table Entry|type=single|region=United States|artist=Beyonce|title=Sweet Dreams|award=Platinum|number=3|salesamount=|relyear=2009|certyear=2022|access-date=August 8, 2022|salesref=}}

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{{Portal|Music|Pop music}}

• List of Billboard Hot Dance Club Play number ones of 2009
• List of Billboard Rhythmic number-one songs of the 2000s
• List of number-one singles from the 2000s (New Zealand)

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• {{YouTube|n1H1XV-BB6Y|The making-of "Sweet Dreams" music video}}

{{Beyoncé songs}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Sweet Dreams (Beyonce Song)}}

Category:2008 songs

Category:2009 singles

Category:Beyoncé songs

Category:Columbia Records singles

Category:Electropop songs

Category:Number-one singles in New Zealand

Category:Songs about dreams

Category:Song recordings produced by Beyoncé

Category:Song recordings produced by Jim Jonsin

Category:Song recordings produced by Rico Love

Category:Songs written by Beyoncé

Category:Songs written by Jim Jonsin

Category:Songs written by Rico Love

Category:Songs written by Wayne Wilkins