A lack of sound sleep can do much more than put you in a bad mood. Chronic insomnia can contribute to a host of serious health problems such as high blood pressure, obesity, and depression. If sleep is eluding you at night, researchers suggest trying an interesting, but satisfying, remedy: having more sex.
According to Healthline, sex’s secret weapon to help you slumber is the release of oxytocin, often referred to as “the love hormone.” Dr. Amer Khan, a sleep specialist, a Sutter Health neurologist, and founder of Sehatu Sleep, said the release of oxytocin is thought to occur simultaneously with feelings of affection and sensual touch. This leads to a sense of pleasing well-being and reduced stress.
In addition to oxytocin, Kahn informed Healthline, “Other hormones, such as dopamine, prolactin, and progesterone, have been implicated in affecting the mind with a sense of relief, relaxation, and sleepiness following the act of satisfactory sex.”
However, Kahn cautioned that everyone reacts differently to these chemicals filtering through their brains at bedtime. The process may induce you to sleep. But, it might also be stimulating and wake you up more. Kahn reasoned, “After all the considerations, it seems reasonable to say that a mutually satisfying physical and mental interaction before sleep enhances mood, feelings of well-being, releases stress, and makes it easier to switch off the busy mind to go to sleep and stay asleep.”
The sleep specialist added, “If a satisfying sexual orgasm after an exciting foreplay is a part of that interaction, it is also likely to lead to better sleep.”
An analysis of research completed at the University of Ottawa in 2016 implied having sex before bedtime might slash stress and help those struggling with insomnia go to sleep and stay asleep. The research suggested sex as a “possible alternative or addition to other intervention strategies for insomnia.” Kahn told Healthline that more large-scale studies are needed to delve into the subject in more detail.
He also stated that sex isn’t the only way to connect with your mate that can calm your mind at night. The Sutter Health neurologist said, “As a sleep physician, I would advise people to enjoy their time together. Physical, emotional, and mental togetherness is more important than focusing on the need to have an orgasm before sleep.”
Other research has suggested enjoying an orgasm does indeed help you sleep more soundly. A study completed at CQ University in Adelaide, Australia in 2017 showed that greater than 60 percent of 282 adult participants attested to having slept better after having sex that resulted in an orgasm.
Certified sleep science coach at SleepZoo, Chris Brantner, stated women experience higher estrogen levels after sex. This can improve REM sleep, the deep restorative kind. Brantner explained that men’s prolactin level increases after sex. This occurrence can cause you to feel fatigued.
The certified sleep science coach said, “However, like most things involving sleep, there’s a deeper relationship here. Because not only does having sleep help you get to sleep, but getting good sleep helps you have more sex.”
To foster libido, Brantner advised you to get seven to eight hours of sleep at night. He stated, “Lack of sleep throws your hormones out of whack and decreases testosterone, which is crucial for both male and female sex drive. Sleep deprivation also has a negative impact on your energy levels and mood, which both will make you less likely to want to have sex.”
According to the National Sleep Foundation, your bedroom is designed for two things, sleep and sex. To make your space conducive to both, you need to remove distractions. For instance, you might want to haul out your television, phones, tablets, and other electronic gizmos.
Brantner told Healthline that looking at your phone immediately before bedtime can negatively impact your circadian rhythm. This is your body’s natural relationship with the sun. Using your phone might also irritate your partner. Brantner remarked, “If you’re staring at your phone, you aren’t cuddling, you aren’t conversing, and you’re definitely not having sex. In other words, you’re ignoring your partner.”
The potential benefits of sex on sleep are undeniable. But, if you’re not married, don’t despair. Spending quality time with an adorable furry friend might also help you sleep better. Healthline reported that a University of Missouri-Columbia study found that petting a dog for 15 minutes releases the feel-good hormones serotonin, oxytocin, and prolactin. Cuddling with a canine companion can also lower the stress hormone known as cortisol.
