A recent study shows that having sex can help lull you to sleep. However, the research also finds that people aren’t getting enough of either.
A study shows people, whether they’re married or single, are having less sex in the 2010s than they were in the 1990s. It turns out, a lack of sex isn’t just harmful to a relationship, it’s also harmful to your sleep.
The connection between sex and sleep
Experts believe that “the love hormone,” also known as oxytocin, is triggered during sex. This hormone floods the body during sensual moments and leads to feelings of pleasure and removes stress. As a result, sleep is easier to achieve.
“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,” Dr. Amer Khan, a Sutter Health neurologist, sleep specialist told Healthline.
“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,” he said. “If a satisfying sexual orgasm after exciting foreplay is a part of that interaction, it is also likely to lead to better sleep.”
Tips to get better sleep
If you’re looking to get a better night’s sleep, there are additional ways to make it happen aside from sex. Tips include:
- Go to bed at the same time each night
- Avoid sleeping in, even on weekends
- Don’t nap
- Get out and expose yourself to sunlight in the morning
- Limit caffeine
- Limit nicotine
- Avoid big meals at night
- Cut out alcohol or at least avoid it before bed
- Keep your bedroom cool
- Try meditation before bed
- Create a comfortable sleeping environment
- Don’t sleep next to your phone
