"sweet dreams my la ex" is the debut single by british singer-songwriter rachel stevens. it was released on 15 september 2003 as the lead single from her first solo album, "funky dory". originally written for britney spears, the song was produced by swedish duo bloodshy & avant. the single is stevens's most successful single to date, peaking at number two on the uk singles chart. it was the 22nd best-selling single of 2003 in the united kingdom and has sold over 233,000 copies in the uk as of 2013. worldwide, the single peaked at number two in denmark and earned a gold certification in norway, where it reached number five.