Masturbation is great for many reasons, that’s no secret. But did you know it was the recipe for a good night’s sleep too?
In fact, a recent survey by female-focused sex toy brand Femme Funn revealed that 95% of people say they experience a better quality night’s sleep after having an orgasm. A number of other studies have also linked masturbation to achieving some good quality shut-eye over the years, but why? And more importantly, how does it all work?
According to GP and author Dr Jeff Foster, it’s all to do with the hormones that we release during sexual activity and how they affect our body. “Masturbation is the same as sexual intercourse, and therefore, the differentiation between the two is only significant in terms of that fact that other people may or may not be involved in the process,” he explains. “From a sleep perspective, your brain does not care if you had sex with someone or by yourself.”
This means that you can reap the exact same benefits whether you’re masturbating alone or having sex with a partner because ultimately, it’s down to whether you orgasm or not.
How does masturbation help you sleep?
As explained by Dr Foster, “Sexual activity, usually that which results in orgasm, causes a release of multiple hormones, including dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and prolactin.” Although there are also other biochemical changes, these hormones in particular have a mood altering effect, which tend to result in positive feelings of relaxation, thought clarity, and contentment, he explains. But that’s not all.
“Sexual activity can also result in a calming or even sedating effect,” he says, hence why you may feel more sleepy after climaxing. “This is also deliberate, and is designed to allow our bodies to recover from the recent physical exertion of sexual activity or masturbation.”
Although Dr Foster explains that the reason for the hormone release during masturbation is unclear, he does express that it not only helps us sleep but allows us to develop a positive association with sexual activity (due to release of happy hormones like dopamine and oxytocin which is known as the “love hormone”). This is also why we tend to want to do it again and again.
Does this go for anyone and everyone?
While there is no specific number on how common it is for masturbation to improve your sleeping, the science linking the two together suggests that anyone who masturbates should feel a better quality of sleep if they have experienced an orgasm which causes the aforementioned hormone releases that relax the body. “In general, all we can say is that we know what the hormonal and biochemical effects of masturbation are, and as a consequence, it is likely that most people will have some degree of improved sleep quality as a result,” Dr Foster assures.
Are there particular masturbation methods that make your sleep better?
You may be wondering whether there is a particular way to masturbate for optimal sleep improvement. Should you be using a sex toy or will your hands do? But frankly, it doesn’t matter. As explained, it is not the actual masturbation but the orgasm it results in that helps you get a better night’s sleep. So ultimately, it doesn’t matter what you do to get there.
“Obviously there are additional psychological or social factors that will contribute to post- masturbation sleep, such as particular sexual preferences or preferred practices, or even if you have a partner or not,” says Dr Foster. “But these are all about individual lifestyle choices and preferences. They do not alter the core physiology of sex.”
So, there you have it. Get in your Os if you want to catch some Zs.