Sleep is an essential part of our everyday health, affecting everything from our mood and cognitive function to our long-term well-being. Without it, we just can’t function. In the search for ways to improve sleep quality, a new study published in the Journal of Sleep Research says that the path to better sleep might involve more than just counting sheep and cuddling up under the sheets. 

According to the National Library of Medicine and Biotech Information, sexual activity can lead to better sleep through hormonal changes, something that’s got sleep scientists deeply interested. After an orgasm, our bodies release hormones like oxytocin and prolactin, contributing to rushes of pleasure and drug-like relaxation. Sex also helps to reduce cortisol levels, a hormone that is closely associated with stressful situations and panic. 

Research suggests that these hormonal shifts can cause drowsiness and help people knock out quickly. These effects aren’t just from traditional sexual activities with a partner, but can also occur through masturbation. Around 50% of both men and women reported in the studies that reaching an orgasm through masturbation helps them fall asleep quickly and helps with overall sleep quality. 

According to another study by researchers from the University of Groningen in The Netherlands, which involved 224 young Dutch university students, those who engaged in sexual activity with their partner before bedtime not only fell asleep faster but also told researchers that they were getting excellent sleep. However, like with most studies, there’s a catch. The sleep benefits were only observed when the sexual activity led to an orgasm and, contrary to other studies, masturbation did not offer the same snooze-inducing effects for the students. 

While the findings represent just a single study, they help point to the connection between having sex and getting better sleep. This is an important insight, given the widespread occurrence of severe sleep disorders affecting around 50 to 70 million people in the U.S. alone, according to The Sleep Foundation. The modern world is experiencing a surge in loneliness and social disconnection, fueled in part by excessive technology use and other typical stresses of modern life. 

While the study may not give the green light for doctors to start issuing prescriptions to dating apps and pornography, it does give us some food for thought regarding two of our most fundamental human behaviors. If you’re struggling with sleep quality, it might be worth considering how much sex you’re getting in your life before resorting to over-the-counter sleep aids or prescription medications. 

The effects of post-sex sleepiness tend to be greater in men than in women in heterosexual relationships. However, this disparity fades when both partners achieve orgasm, suggesting that the stereotypical image of men falling asleep quickly after sex may be linked to a difference in sexual satisfaction and orgasm frequency. If you’re falling asleep before your partner, chances are there’s more work to be done. 

While the hormonal aspects of sex and sleep are interesting, the physical environment also plays a crucial role in the quality of both experiences. Sleep hygiene encompasses various factors such as creating a comfortable environment, reducing distractions and light, and keeping your bedroom free from cell phones and other distracting technology that emits blue light. 

The relationship between sex and sleep is a fascinating one, with plenty of future research needed. However, it’s commonly known that with the right approach to both sleep hygiene and sexual activity, you can achieve not only better sleep but also an improved quality of life. As researchers continue to explore this area, we can hope for more evidence and perhaps new guidelines for enhancing sleep quality. After all, good sleep is a cornerstone of good health and if sex can help, then it’s a win-win.