Sex and Sleep

sleeping after sex

There is a direct correlation between sex and sleep. A good amount of sleep will lead to more energy for sexual encounters.  Depending on how these encounters go, the hormones produced and released during intercourse will put a couple in a relaxed state which leads to better sleep.

The hormones that are released during sex helps to boost oxytocin (a hormone that makes you feel connected to your partner) and lowers cortisol (a stress-related hormone). Additionally, having an orgasm releases a hormone called prolactin, which is the source for putting you in a relaxed and sleepy condition. All of that leads up to a nice, drowsy state that’s perfect for cuddling up and falling asleep. Problem is that women are not as quick to an orgasm compared to men.  If your partner is not completely satisfied, she will be up while the man may go into dreamland.

Some people have difficulties with falling asleep, but research shows that having sex before bed could be the answer to all of your problems.

As there is a direct correlation between sex and sleep,  your sleeping habits could be helping or hurting your sex life. If you or your partner aren’t sleeping well as a result of stress, or one person keeping the other up with tossing and turning, or a condition like sleep apnea, your sex drive is going to go way down.

The funny thing is that if a lack of sleep is hurting your sex life, the answer might lie in simply having more sex! That’s because sexual satisfaction is a great stress reliever, as well as a way to feel more connected with your partner—and when you feel satisfied and happy in your relationship, those feelings will contribute to better sleep (and the cycle goes on and on!). Instead of lying in bed, worrying about why you can’t fall asleep, turn to your partner and initiate sex.

Why men fall Asleep After Sex?

“You can thank the hormone prolactin for your male post-coital sleepiness”, says Men’s Health sleep advisor W. Christopher Winter, M.D.

“Prolactin suppresses dopamine—a stimulating neurotransmitter that makes you feel awake.  Your body releases it in spades when you climax, but a woman’s body, however, doesn’t produce nearly as much”, says Dr. Winter

For women, Sex boosts estrogen levels which enhances the REM stage to put you in a deep sleep.

4 Comments

  1. This is very informative as it is true I find it that after sex I have the best sleep .
    I never thought the correlation between sex and sleep thanks for the information.

    • Your welcome. Sometimes it can be very difficult for me to fall asleep and I rarely sleep more than 6hrs. I could use some great sleep right now.

  2. Great article.
    I would like to add that working out also supports the whole process since lifting weights increases testosterone and decreases cortisol levels.

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