Does masturbating help you sleep?

Does masturbating help you sleep?

It is common to find self-care helpful to fall asleep faster. Perhaps the time is just right for introducing some more personal 'me-times' into your bedtime routine. Several surveys found more than 90% of people reported a better night's sleep after having orgasms, backing the results found in previous studies. Find out how much sleep you need by reading our article on: How Much Deep Sleep Do I Need?

Sleep boosts testosterone levels.

The amount of sleep you have directly affects your body's testosterone (T) levels. Healthy sleep can directly affect how men perform and produce these critical hormones.

Does masturbation without orgasm prevent sleep?

So far, research has only examined sleep following masturbating versus not having an orgasm. Both tests did not have a significant effect on rest. Nevertheless, the study had limitations, including one in particular that the survey required removing anal probes from the participant after orgasm, which could affect how quickly they fell asleep afterwards.

Orgasm can decrease pain

Research shows having an orgasm is effective for pain relief. When a vaginal orgasm occurs during erectile contraction or sexual interaction, it releases some pressure from the affected area.

How does masturbating affect our brains?

If we masturbate or have sex, our bodies release blood that alerts the nervous system and the muscles. During the process, the brain releases epinephrine and norepinephrine, causing alertness in the body. People masturbating in the morning often report that it makes them happier. The chemical mixture mimics meditation so that masturbation may clear the head. Masturbation help calm the nervous system while reducing fatigue or causing anxiety.

Sex with orgasms may increase the amount of slow-wave sleep we experience

Our bodies undergo different REM and non-REM cycles, which affects our ability to shut down. The most profound and minor sleep cycles are slow waves. Researchers have found that sex with a partner increases sleep duration. Having an orgasm just as soon as we go to sleep could lead to better sleep quality.

Both anxiety and low self-esteem may benefit from masturbation

According to sex therapist and psychologist Janet Brito, masturbation – especially for people who are used to prioritising others over themselves – can be very beneficial for people who are anxious or have low self-esteem.

Sex before bed will reduce your stress levels for better sleep

When we idle, the thoughts wander away. It is part of a chemical structure in the brain that many people can control through meditation. However, masturbating helps reduce stress. An orgasm minimises the cortisol the body naturally produces in response to a stressful situation. A study has found that ovaries tend to improve sleep quality.

Is sex a sleep-promoting behaviour?

Sexual activity and a good night's sleep are required to maintain physical and mental health. In the wake of satisfying sexual intercourse, the sedative impact of sleep might set in, resulting in a better quality night's sleep.

Masturbation and Hormones

Generally, to get good sleep, we have to get a good level of rest and calm. The hormone cortisol has a lot to do with these feelings. However, studies show masturbation and sexual encounters inhibit this hormone. Cortisol is also often linked to many health issues, including high blood pressure, fatigue, and low bone density.

Melatonin is a natural hormone produced by the pineal gland, it acts essentially as a biological time informing your body that it is dark and time to sleep. Read the following article: to find out why melatonin is banned in the UK.

How can I unwind before bed?

If you find masturbating calms you down, you should retain this habit in your falling asleep routine. Unwinding may also begin before the night-time routine starts. A warm bath is also great for relaxing. Others prefer to take sleeping tablets. 

Masturbating is a healthy way to unwind, and it might even help you sleep better

While many people see masturbation as an activity encouraging stress and sleeplessness, the opposite can be true. Masturbation is a healthy way to de-stress after a long day at work or school, and it can help your body relax before bedtime. As long as you're not doing anything too strenuous immediately before or after your solo session (like lifting weights), masturbating will actually make it easier for you to get up in the morning—not harder!

Final words

Elevated sexual arousal - whether you choose to masturbate or have partnered sex - sets your body in a relaxed mood as it lowers your cortisol (stress hormone) level. The result? A better night's rest since your body releases chemicals associated with sleep.

Masturbation is a healthy, regular activity for people of all ages and genders. It can help you relax and sleep better at night and is a great way to learn more about your body. As long as you're making sure you don't overdo it (and if you do, that might be a sign that other issues are going on), masturbation is an excellent way to unwind after a stressful day or week.

However, suppose you are experiencing compulsive sexual behaviour, which means you have a hypersexual desire. In that case, you should immediately seek professional medical advice from a certified sex therapist to determine the cause or any associated underlying condition.

Learn more about sexual health on our information page, click here to view.