Does sex help you sleep better?

[Leigh Michaels]

While intimacy and sex can be effective sleep aids for many, it’s important to note that the effects can vary between individuals. Factors such as personal stress levels, the quality of the relationship, and individual health conditions can influence how sex impacts sleep. Some people may find that sex stimulates them and makes it harder to sleep, particularly if it’s vigorous or emotionally charged. It’s also worth noting that the benefits of intimacy for sleep are not limited to people in relationships. Solo sex (masturbation) can also promote relaxation, trigger the release of prolactin, and improve sleep quality in much the same way as partnered sex.

Can sex help you sleep
Because when you get a good 7-8 hours of restful sleep, you have more energy to do whatever you want before falling asleep again, and your stress levels are lower and your mood is better, so you’re more likely to want to have sex. Therefore, sleep and sex are good for each other — as long as you’re a willing participant in the sexual act; forcing yourself to go through it won’t have quite the same happy effect. So, possibly, you need to get a refreshing sleep first and get into the right mood, before initiating sex. Then, if you make a regular habit of it, your sleep quality and sex life will improve simultaneously.

An obvious aspect of sex and sleep is the physical exertion involved. When you have sex with a partner, you’re putting in a lot of physical work; naturally, you’ll feel tired after the session is over. Of course, there’s no one-size-fits-all. Because serotonin and dopamine can also create a euphoric sensation, some people may feel stimulated following sex. If you prefer morning sex, it’s probably because serotonin and dopamine power you up rather than down. Ultimately, figuring out what revs you up or calms you down is going to take a little trial and error — all of it should be fun, anyway!