Is It Possible to Get a Better Night’s Sleep After an Orgasm? Some New Evidence Is Emerging.
A good night’s sleep can be affected by orgasms and vice versa.
If you’re lucky, orgasms can be the result of sexual activity, whether it’s done alone or with a partner/partner (no judgment here).
For more than just making you feel better, orgasms may also improve your sleep. However, you may not be aware that great sleep can also help your Orgasm, even if you already knew it (whereas poor sleep can do the opposite).
When you have an orgasm, your body is in a state of relaxation and happiness. When done alone or with a partner, “it provides a sense of oneness with your mind, body, spirit, and soul,” says Dr. Angela Jones, an OB/GYN in private practice in New Jersey. “You guessed correctly; your sleep will improve when these things are in order.”
Orgasms have been shown to improve sleep quality in some studies.
Researching whether or not orgasms help individuals sleep can be difficult, according to Michele Lastella, a sleep researcher and senior lecturer at CQUniversity Adelaide in Australia. This is because studies on orgasms and sleep rely heavily on self-reporting, leaving out a significant portion of the population, particularly those identifying as LGBTQ.
Sexual activity that involves an orgasm may help sleep in the few studies that have attempted this task,” Lastella said to BuzzFeed News in an email.
Lastella and colleagues examined the online survey responses of 778 persons, most of whom were heterosexual and in their 20s or 30s, in a study published in Frontiers in Public Health in 2019. (more than 90 percent ). After sex, 68 percent of men and 59 percent of women reported sleeping better. In addition, regardless of gender, about half of the participants said they could get a better night’s sleep after a masturbation orgasm.
However, 11% of women and 4% of men reported they had trouble falling asleep after having sex with a partner, and this was true for all genders. Lastella stated it “may be related to the experience they have with themselves or their spouse,” even though his study did not seek to explain why this is the case.
Sara Flowers, vice president of education and training at the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, told BuzzFeed News that no activity is “always a pleasant or terrible experience for everyone.”
“After an orgasm, some people experience a sense of well-being, serenity, or even sleepiness. Flower underlined that additional research is needed to better understand orgasmic experiences of people of different gender identities, sexual orientations, ethnicities, abilities, and more. In order to determine if orgasms help or impede your sleep, she suggests paying attention to your own experiences and patterns.
In 1985, a short study published in the journal Biological Psychiatry found that orgasms, at least from masturbation, did not affect sleep favorably or adversely.
Five men and five women underwent polysomnographic recordings following masturbation with or without Orgasm. The gold standard for sleep research evaluates brainwaves, blood oxygen levels, heart and breathing rates, and eye and leg movements.
Masturbation has no influence on sleep, independent of orgasm, according to the researchers. There was a control group that read content that was considered impartial.
What are the possible benefits of orgasms for a good night’s sleep?
Having an orgasm releases various endorphins, many of which have sleep-related functions, improving your physical and emotional well-being.
Orgasms release oxytocin, known as the “love hormone,” which might make you feel warm and fuzzies, Jones explained. Bonding between mother and child is enhanced by its role in birthing and breastfeeding. The stress hormone cortisol is reduced by oxytocin in our blood as well.
The morning is when cortisol levels rise, which is why you’re awake, according to Jones. An orgasm at night may help drop your cortisol levels and help you fall asleep more efficiently, as high amounts of the stress hormone are standard in the latter part of the day.
Oxytocin is released in the brain when you do things like yoga, embrace someone, or spend time with your pets.
As the climax approaches, your body is flooded with serotonin, the “happy hormone” responsible for the euphoria that ensues, according to Jones. In addition, sleep-wake cycles are regulated by serotonin.
Melatonin, the primary sleep-inducing hormone, is produced by the brain at night and released throughout the day. Studies show that low serotonin levels are associated with sadness and sleeplessness. According to Jones, raising serotonin levels has been shown to help with mood and sleep.
Drugs like fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft) are SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which act by raising serotonin levels in the brain. Keep in mind that many SSRIs have the adverse effect of a decrease in sexual desire or libido. People assigned male at birth are more likely to produce the hormone vasopressin, which has a function in lowering cortisol levels and improving sleep quality after having sex, according to Jones.
In addition to prolactin, orgasms create a sleep-inducing hormone known as oxytocin. While it’s best known for promoting milk production in new mothers, research from Lastella shows that it’s also linked to better orgasms and greater sexual contentment.
Prolactin has been shown to produce rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which aids in the processing of new memories and taught abilities while you are asleep. Sleep deprivation can also lower prolactin levels, according to research.
Blood samples from 19 men and 19 women who had either masturbated or had penis-in-vagina sex until they attained Orgasm were studied in a 2005 study published in the journal of Biological Psychology. A five-fold increase in prolactin levels was observed following climax when compared to masturbation, according to a survey. This shows that having sex with a partner may be more pleasurable than masturbation, at least in a controlled environment. But, of course, this depends on the partner.
Watching an unsexy documentary either alone or with a companion was used as a control condition.
The answer to this question is yes.
Numerous health benefits can be reaped from getting a good night’s sleep, which for adults involves sleeping seven to nine hours a night and staying asleep the entire time. In the long run, getting enough sleep can enhance your mental and emotional health and lower your chance of developing diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
A 2015 study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that women who slept an extra hour a night were 14 percent more likely to engage in sexual activity with their partner. Over two weeks, researchers surveyed 171 women and discovered that a more significant average sleep duration was linked to better genital arousal.
Men and women with erectile dysfunction and sexual dysfunction have been linked to sleep deprivation and obstructive sleep apnea, a disorder that causes repeated obstructions in airflow during sleep.
Even after controlling for other causes of sleep deprivation, such as depression and chronic disease, a lack of sleep was linked to decreased sexual pleasure in postmenopausal women between the ages of 50 and 79, according to another study. An article in Menopause based on this research was published in 2017.
Inadequate sleep wreaks havoc on one’s mental well-being, while melancholy and anxiety reduce one’s desire for sexual relations.
Regarding immune function, heart health, pain receptors, stress levels, psychological well-being, and romantic relationships, “More sleep and more sex can both have favorable consequences,” Lastella added. However, one of the primary challenges in our culture is that we don’t shut off—we’re glued to our electronic gadgets and attached to our emails and other social media platforms that, postpone our sleep onset.
How to improve sex and sleep at the same time
The quality of your sleep and the quality of your sex life can both benefit from activities that help you relax and appreciate the present moment before going to bed.
Remember that what works for one person may not work for another. So here are a few suggestions for getting a good night’s rest:
- The best way to wind down before bed is to sip non-caffeinated tea, take a gentle yoga class, meditate, or soak in a hot tub.
- Before going to bed, stay away from stimulants like caffeine, alcohol, and cigarettes.
- Put your phone in “do not disturb” mode or keep it out of the bedroom.
- Even on the weekends, keep a consistent sleep and wake-up schedule of no more than 20 minutes of the previous day.
- Cats, in particular, should be kept out of the bedroom.
- Get at least seven to nine hours of sleep each night.
- If you can, open a window to let some fresh air into your room.
- Changing your mattress to a more body-conforming one is one option to consider.
- Essential oil diffusers and weighted blankets can help you relax and sleep better at night if you keep your bedroom dark and peaceful.
- Sit somewhere until sleep comes to you in the middle of the night, and then get out of bed if you haven’t fallen asleep yet.
Asking for what you want, trying new things, and “recognizing that sex doesn’t have to be a team sport” are some tips Jones offers for improving your sex life.
Do orgasms help with insomnia?
According to a recent study, orgasms may help women with insomnia. The study found that women who had trouble sleeping were more likely to orgasm during sex than women who did not have difficulty sleeping. One possible explanation for this finding is that orgasms release oxytocin, a hormone that promotes relaxation. Additionally, orgasms increase blood flow and reduce stress levels, contributing to a good night’s sleep. So if you’re struggling to get some shut-eye, you may want to consider giving yourself a little extra time for self-care before bed. Who knows? You might find that orgasms are the key to a good night’s sleep.
Can you have an Orgasm sleeping?
An orgasm releases sexual tension that typically occurs with sexual stimulation. Muscle contractions and a feeling of intense pleasure accompany it. While it is most commonly associated with sexual activity, it is possible to have an orgasm in other ways, such as sleep.
There are two types of sleep-related orgasms: nocturnal emissions and wet dreams. Nocturnal emissions are orgasms that occur during REM sleep and usually happen without conscious sexual stimulation. Wet dreams, conversely, occur during dream sleep and often involve sexually explicit dream content. These orgasms are more likely to occur in boys and young men, but women can also experience them.
An orgasm during sleep is not harmful and does not indicate any underlying health problems. However, sleeping can sometimes be disruptive if it happens frequently or is accompanied by wet dreams. If this is the case, treatments available can help reduce the frequency of orgasms or prevent them from happening altogether.
Does Orgasms release melatonin?
Orgasms release several hormones, including endorphins, dopamine, and oxytocin. But did you know that orgasms can also lead to the release of melatonin? Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate sleep and has been shown to promote more profound and restful sleep. In one study, women who masturbated to Orgasm before bedtime reported feeling more rested and less stressed than women who didn’t Orgasm. So if you’re having trouble sleeping, achieving Orgasm may be just what the doctor ordered. Of course, orgasms are also fun, so there’s no reason not to enjoy them for their own sake. Whether enjoying solo pleasure or sharing intimate moments with a partner, orgasms can help you feel your best.
Do orgasms help you lose weight?
Though you may not have thought it possible, orgasms can help you lose weight. The cliché “feeling comfortable in your skin” has never been more accurate than when referring to the post-orgasm state. After orgasm, our bodies release oxytocin, a chemical like morphine that helps us feel bonded and content. This feeling of happiness and well-being helps us to feel better about our bodies and, as a result, be more likely to take care of them. Exercise is one of the best ways to do this. In addition, orgasms also help to burn calories. Though the exact number varies depending on many factors, it is generally agreed that an orgasm burns anywhere from 50 to 100 calories. With a healthy diet and regular exercise, orgasms can help you reach your weight loss goals. So next time you feel motivated to hit the gym or run, remember that an orgasm could be your best motivation yet.
“Getting comfortable with your body and your sexuality may be a first step toward embracing sex and your sexuality. Make a date with yourself. She advised women to wear clothing that makes them feel attractive, confident, and at ease with their bodies. “Observe your genitals in a mirror to familiarize yourself with their appearance. Walking in the fresh air or taking a warm bath with scented candles can all benefit your well-being.
