Will Sex Help You Sleep Better? Explore the Benefits of Intimacy

Will sex help you sleep

Key highlights or summary

  • Sleep and sex are beneficial for each other, because sleep gives you the energy for sex, and sex releases the hormones for sleep.
  • Research says that for those in romantic relationships, every extra hour of sleep corresponds to higher sexual desire.
  • Good sleep is very important for you sex life, because poor sleep can cause erectile dysfunction in men and a lack of sexual desire in women.
  • Orgasm releases a hormone named prolactin in men, which helps them fall asleep quickly.
  • Eat the right foods to get more sleep and feel fitter, so that you can have a higher sex drive.

Meet our expert

Meet our expert

Rate our article

We'd love to know!

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 1

How was the experience with article?

We'd love to know!

  1. Pubmed: The impact of sleep on female sexual response and behavior: a pilot study
  2. Pubmed: The effect of sleep on men's health
  3. TranslAndrolUrol. 2020 Mar;9(Suppl 2):S178-S185. doi: 10.21037/tau.2019.11.07.
  4. Sleep Med. 2016 Jan;17:64-8. doi: 10.1016/j.sleep.2015.05.018. Epub 2015 Jun 29.
  5. Pubmed: Long-term effects of continuous positive airway pressure treatment on sexuality in female patients with obstructive sleep apnea
  6. Sex Med. 2013 Dec;1(2):62-8. doi: 10.1002/sm2.18.
  7. Metro: If you’re struggling to sleep, have sex before bed

Related articles

See All

Frequently asked questions

Get the information you need.

Sex helps improve sleep quality by releasing hormones like oxytocin, endorphins, and prolactin, which promote relaxation and reduce stress. The physical exertion of sex also helps tire the body, aiding in muscle relaxation and making it easier to fall asleep.

Yes, intimacy, whether sexual or non-sexual, can enhance sleep by reducing stress and fostering emotional connection. Cuddling, holding hands, or sharing intimate conversations can trigger the release of relaxation hormones and help signal to the brain that it’s time to wind down.

While sex can be a helpful remedy for occasional insomnia by promoting relaxation and reducing stress, it may not address all underlying causes of chronic insomnia. If sleep problems persist, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan.

For some individuals, sex may be stimulating or emotionally charged, which could potentially make it harder to fall asleep. It’s important to gauge your own body’s response and choose the type of intimacy that best promotes relaxation and comfort before bed.

Hormones like oxytocin, endorphins, and prolactin released during sex help lower cortisol levels, reduce stress, and promote relaxation. These hormonal changes create a conducive environment for sleep, making it easier to fall asleep and achieve restful rest.

Yes, masturbation can have similar effects on sleep quality as partnered sex. It can lead to the release of relaxation-promoting hormones like prolactin and endorphins, helping to reduce stress and aid in falling asleep.

To use intimacy to improve sleep, focus on building emotional and physical closeness with your partner, choose gentle and relaxed activities before bed, avoid making sex a forced or stressful activity, and consider non-sexual forms of intimacy like cuddling if sex doesn’t appeal.

Yes, emotional intimacy through activities such as sharing feelings or spending quality time together can also help with sleep. Emotional connection and support can reduce anxiety and stress, creating a more peaceful state conducive to sleep.

While sex can be beneficial for sleep, it’s important to ensure that it does not become a source of stress or conflict. If sex is used to avoid addressing underlying issues or becomes a pressure-filled activity, it may negatively impact sleep and overall well-being.

If sex is not helping your sleep, consider exploring other relaxation techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, or a consistent sleep routine. If sleep issues persist, it may be helpful to consult a healthcare professional to identify and address any underlying conditions or contributing factors.