Can Sex Really Help you Sleep?

After a night of Netflix and chill with your partner, ever wondered if it’s the Netflix or chill that helps you sleep so well? Your bed is your sleep space and love shack all rolled into one. Healthy sex life can help you sleep better and keep you physically healthy too.  

Sex releases oxytocin (the love hormone) and along with sexual arousal, eases stress

Does Sex Help you Sleep?

Sex releases oxytocin (the love hormone) and along with sexual arousal, eases stress. For good quality sleep, a stress-free mind before bed is pivotal. You could read a book or take a hot bath but the dopamine release of a sex session can be just as effective in helping you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. 

Understanding the Effects of Sex on Sleep

Chemical Reaction and Hormones

Hormones are responsible for many important functions in your body. They control your circadian rhythm, control your energy levels, appetite, and mood. Hormone changes in men and women can impact sleep quality and libido. Medication, medical issues, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can fluctuate hormone levels causing sexual arousal or loss of libido.   

Benefits to Men

• Penile-vaginal intercourse can reduce the risk of prostate cancer
• Men who frequently orgasm live longer 
• Sexual arousal keeps sperm healthy
• Lowers blood pressure 
• improves heart health 
• It Burns calories and strengthens muscles 
• Stronger immune system 
• Better sleep and mental health   

Benefits to Women

• Can relieve premenstrual cramps 
• Strengthens pelvic muscles 
• Could protect against endometriosis (when tissue grows outside the uterus)
• Improves fertility 
• Improves bladder control 
• Lowers blood pressure 
• improves heart health 
• It Burns calories and strengthens muscles 
• Stronger immune system
• Better sleep and mental health   

Solo Action 

The benefits of masturbation are:

• A better understanding of your body and sexual needs 
• Increases self-esteem
• Relieves stress 
• Greater sexual satisfaction
• Stronger immune system
• Better sleep and mental health     

Can Having Sex Before Bed Hurt Your Sleep? 

Having sex before bed will increase your heart rate but the feel good hormone release could help you to relax and fall asleep. A University of Ottawa study suggests that mutually satisfying sex before sleep can reduce stress and ease insomnia for women. If you’re using your sleep time to have sex, you may feel sleepy the following day but chances are you’ll be in a great mood.    

How Lack of Sleep Can Affect Sex Drive

Sleep disorders harm your physical health, mental wellbeing, and sex life quality. If you feel sleepy all day your libido may decrease too. A lack of good quality sleep can lead to erectile dysfunction in men and a lack of sexual arousal in women. Sleep disorders quench sexual desire and could put you at odds with your partner.    

Conclusion  

Sexual activity helps you to feel connected with your partner, your body and relaxes your mind and muscles to fall asleep faster. Keep electronics out of your bedroom, light some candles, play soft music, and enjoy some intimate time with your partner or yourself. Healthy sex life can boost physical health and ease sleep disorders. Creating favorable conditions for sex can increase sexual activity with restorative sleep boosting your mood and libido.