Sex and Close Relationships

Sex and Sleep 
Have you ever come across the stereotypical perception that good sex and a good night’s sleep are intrinsically linked? Did you ever wonder if there is really a scientific reason for this association? According to a 2019 study in Norway, a perceived connection between sleep and sex is relatively universal (Pallesen et al., 2019). A national survey indicated that orgasms following sexual activity had a self-reported soporific (drowsy, sleep-inducing) effect. Drowsiness and decreased sleep latency (the amount of time it takes to fall asleep) were reported, regardless of whether orgasm was achieved with a partner or via masturbation. Therefore, becoming sleepy after orgasm may indeed hold true for some individuals, perhaps due to the biological processes that occur during orgasm (more about that later). 

Sexual activity with another person that did not result in orgasm was perceived to lead to sleep impairment (Pallesen et al., 2019). In general, these self-reported perceptions were slightly stronger in men than women with the exception of perceptions regarding masturbation and sleep latency. Masturbation without orgasm had a perceived sleep impairing effect for men and a neutral effect for women, signifying a gender difference in perception within the study population. 

The exact mechanism behind the sleep-inducing or drowsy effect of orgasms is not clear, but it may be attributable to the release of hormones such as oxytocin, prolactin, and endorphins that have relaxing properties. Oxytocin may play a critical role in the sexual response cycle as it is known to be associated with smooth muscle contractions and orgasms (Carmichael et al., 1994). A peak of oxytocin is also correlated with sexual satiation or orgasm. This hormone is known colloquially as the “feel-good, cuddle hormone” due to its biological correlation with pair bonding and prosocial behavior. If oxytocin peaks at orgasms or sexual satiation, via masturbation or with a partner, this may induce a relaxed state of mind or increased comfort resulting in a perceived feeling of drowsiness. 

Another hormone present in both sleep and sexual activity is prolactin. Both coitus-induced and masturbation-induced orgasms have been shown to result in elevated prolactin levels and it appears to have an effect in modifying sexual desire following orgasm, possibly due to its role in the “refractory period” (Exton et al., 2001). The refractory period is the recovery phase following orgasm in which a bio-male cannot have additional orgasms or regain an erection. A similar peak in prolactin levels also occurs during sleep. Therefore, it is possible that the peak in prolactin following orgasm may be misconstrued in the body as a sleep signal thus resulting in sleepiness (Exton, 2001; Leeners, 2013; Machado, 2017). Although this perceived drowsiness after sex may not be experienced by all individuals, it does offer some explanation to the perceived stereotypical link between sleep and sex. 

If sexual activity impacts sleep, can it then be stated that sleep impacts sexual function? The answer is yes! Several studies have been done that correlate sleep disturbance with sexual dysfunction. A paper based on a sleep survey published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research theorizes that this connection between sleep and sex could be due to a learned association with “bed” (Seehuus & Pigeon, 2018). A common theme between sleep and sexual activity is the context in which they typically occur. Both of which often involve the space of one’s bedroom and the bed. Therefore, learned associations with your bed can impact your sleep and sexual activity. For example, when we engage in activities that can possibly be stress-inducing, such as homework, online work, or studying in bed, we may start to paint a mental picture that “bed” is associated with “work.” This can make it difficult to fall asleep or engage in sexual activities in bed since there is now a stressful emotional connection with the space. Try and reserve your bed solely for two pleasurable activities, sleep and sex. Not only will this improve your quality of sleep but it may aid in sexual health as well!   

A study in Urology about sexual dysfunction in male-identifying non standard shift workers indicated that sleep quality and amount of sleep also affect sexual function. The times that qualified as nonstandard was work that starts before 7:00am or after 2:00pm or routinely includes hours outside of the typical 7:00am to 6:00pm workday. Although college students may not have consistent nonstandard work shifts, these work times map very similarly to an all-nighter or late-night study schedule. The study found that individuals with these nonstandard work times had nonstandard or reduced sleep times. Those who reported poor sleep quality also reported poor sexual function thus indicating that the quality of sleep can affect sex (Pastuszak et al., 2017). Additionally, the study found that consistent nonstandard work resulting in reduced sleep quality was correlated with a negative impact on the endocrine system, which regulates and produces hormones. These hormones regulate and control a variety of biological responses, including the sexual response cycle. Not only can avoiding all-nighters and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule improve the quality of sleep but it may also improve sexual health as well.