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Topics: Sleep, Health, Science, Sex and Relationships, Australia
Liv Bridge
Topics: Sleep, Health, Science, Sex and Relationships, Australia
There's a reason why we have better sleep after having sex, according to a scientific study.
Grabbing a solid eight hours of shut eye every night is no small feat, with lifestyle factors such as stress, children, poor health, and even dietary choices all playing a factor in our sleep quality.
Most of us know caffeine is best to be avoided before going to sleep and if you're super into 'sleepmaxxing,' you might be hitting the hay after inhaling several kiwis, bandaging your face up and strictly prohibiting any electrical devices from disturbing the peace.
But what if I told you there's actually an easier (and far more enjoyable) way to guarantee a good rest?
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If you've ever gotten frisky under the sheets and then nodded off to dreamland for one of the best night's slumber you've ever had, well, you're not alone, and there's actually a scientific explanation for it.
According to a new study in the journal Sleep Health, researchers found sexual activity, whether solo or with a partner, is a bit of a game-changer when it comes to sleep.
Not only did they find that such intimacy helps us get to sleep quicker, but reduces the amount of time we wake up and generally improves the overall sleep experience.
Study author Michele Lastella, a senior lecturer at CQUniversity Australia, said: “I have been investigating sleep behaviors in the adult population for several years, while this has predominantly focused on improving the sleep behaviors of elite athletes, I am always asked various questions about sleep.
“A frequent question asked ‘how come my partner falls asleep straight away after sex and I can’t’ and I thought if people are frequently asking me questions about this, then this must be indicative that there is a real lack of research evidence around it."
However, a successful snooze can only start after an orgasm.
The research relied on seven heterosexual couples in South Australia at around 26 years old who were healthy, sexually active and living together.
All 14 participants were screened to make sure they had no underlying sleep disorders and that they weren't pregnant or have any other children, as this can majorly affect sleep routines.
The couples reported doing the deed at least twice a week and were monitored for 11 nights in a row, during which they had different criteria to complete.
One night, they were prohibited from any sexual activity, while on another they were tasked with masturbating solo and on another, having sex with their partner, the latter two of which required climax.
The couples were asked to complete a diary of their mood and sleep quality, while a a wireless polysomnographic device (DREEM3 headband) recorded brain activity, their movement and breathing throughout the night.
The study found that while those who had sex went to bed later on, they actually spent less time awake - by about seven minutes when compared to nights with no sexual activity.
Despite this, the participants interestingly didn't notice any difference in their sleep across the three different nights, but did say they felt more motivated for the day ahead after a night of partnered sex.
Explaining why sex before sleep could provide a benefit, the study authors suggested it all comes down to hormonal changes, the release of oxytocin and reduction in cortisol, which occurs after an orgasm.