Researchers from the University of Groningen have found that sex with a partner improves sleep quality and makes it easier to fall asleep, even without orgasm. The results of the research were published in the journal Journal of Sleep Research.
The authors of the study asked 159 men and women to fill out questionnaires about their personal lives and sleep habits for two weeks. Results showed that having sex reduced the time to fall asleep to a healthy 15 to 21 minutes. Also, after sex, people reported a subjective increase in sleep quality: 50% on average.
It is known that orgasm releases prolactin and oxytocin, hormones that affect circadian rhythms. This may explain why women are less likely to fall asleep after orgasm. However, orgasm itself did not provide the same benefits: masturbation affected sleep significantly less.
Scientists believe that post-sex fatigue also leads to an increase in sleep-promoting hormones. In addition, psychological effects also play a role: an increase in relationship satisfaction, a sense of love and security.