Partnered sexual activity resulting in climax reduces the time required for both men and women to fall asleep by a few minutes and enhances sleep quality, as per recent findings published in the Journal of Sleep Research.
The study discovered that engaging in sexual activity without achieving orgasm, as well as masturbation with or without orgasm, did not show any significant impact on sleep patterns.
The study authors stated, “These studies confirm and strongly support previous findings that suggest sexual activity and intimacy can enhance sleep and overall well-being for both genders, thereby providing a basis for future research.”
Researchers from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands recruited 256 male and female participants, primarily students, who maintained a sleep and sexual activity diary for a duration of 14 days.
Factors such as alcohol consumption, menstruation, and any unusual events preceding bedtime were also taken into consideration.
The results revealed that individuals who engaged in partnered sexual activity and experienced orgasm took an average of 16 minutes to fall asleep, while those who engaged in sexual activity without reaching orgasm took 17 minutes, and those who did not have sex took 20 minutes to fall asleep.
For individuals who engaged in masturbation, the average time to fall asleep was 26 minutes. However, this time was reduced to 19 minutes if orgasm was achieved, while those who did not masturbate took 20 minutes to fall asleep.
The researchers noted that orgasms trigger the release of oxytocin, commonly known as the “love hormone,” as well as prolactin, a hormone that impacts breast development, milk production, and sexual and reproductive health.
“The heightened impact of partnered sex can be partially attributed to the increased neuroendocrine changes following orgasm, combined with the valuable effects of experiencing intimacy with a partner,” wrote the study authors.
A previous study suggested that the ability to experience intense orgasms may be influenced by genetic factors passed down from parents.
Unfortunately, a 2020 survey revealed that four out of ten Americans have never truly experienced an orgasm.