Do Orgasms Help You Sleep?

When it comes to improving sleep, most of us turn to tips like switching to decaf after noon, avoiding screens in the evening, or creating a cozy bedroom environment. But there’s one natural (and enjoyable) sleep aid you might not be fully appreciating: orgasms. 

Orgasms — whether solo or shared — can help you fall asleep faster and improve the quality of your rest. So, how exactly do orgasms help you sleep? Let’s dive into the science behind why orgasms are like a natural Ambien, and how you can make the most of this pleasurable sleep solution.

Hormones, orgasms, and sleep

At the heart of the orgasm-sleep connection lies a powerful chemical cocktail. When you experience an orgasm, your body releases a surge of hormones and neurochemicals that play a direct role in relaxation and sleep. 

Oxytocin 

Oxytocin, often called the "love hormone," floods your body after an orgasm. This hormone promotes feelings of connection, warmth, and relaxation. It’s released in higher amounts during physical touch and orgasm, making you feel calm and content. This flood of oxytocin helps reduce stress and anxiety, which are common culprits of insomnia and poor sleep. Studies show that lower stress levels help to ease you into a deeper, more restorative sleep.

Prolactin

Another major player in the post-orgasm hormone mix is prolactin. Prolactin is associated with the feeling of satisfaction and relaxation after sex. Research has found that prolactin levels spike after orgasm, which is part of the reason you might feel pleasantly drowsy afterward. A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that prolactin levels increased by about 400% after sexual activity and orgasm compared to other physical activities. This spike in prolactin encourages your body to rest and recover, making sleep come more easily.

Endorphins 

Endorphins, those feel-good chemicals that reduce pain and boost mood, are also released during orgasm. They act as natural painkillers and can help soothe any discomfort that might be keeping you awake. Whether you’re dealing with cramps, headaches, or general body aches, the endorphins from an orgasm can help alleviate pain and allow your body to relax into sleep mode.

Serotonin and dopamine 

Orgasms also lead to the release of serotonin and dopamine, both of which regulate mood. These “happy chemicals” help combat feelings of stress and anxiety, promoting a peaceful state of mind before bed. Serotonin, in particular, plays a critical role in regulating sleep cycles, making it easier to drift off into dreamland after an orgasm.

The physical relaxation benefits of orgasms

Beyond the hormonal benefits happening in your brain, orgasms also have direct physical effects that can make it easier for women to fall asleep:

• Muscle relaxation: The intense muscular contractions during orgasm are followed by a period of muscle relaxation, which can relieve tension in the body. If you’re prone to holding stress in your muscles — especially around your neck, shoulders, or back — orgasms can act as a form of tension release, helping to ease you into a relaxed state that’s ideal for sleep.
• Improved circulation: During sexual arousal and orgasm, blood flow increases throughout your body, including to your brain. Improved circulation helps deliver oxygen to your muscles and tissues, further promoting relaxation and recovery, which primes you for deep sleep.

How orgasms can improve sleep quality

Not only do orgasms help you fall asleep faster, but they can also improve the quality of your sleep. Here’s how:

• Longer REM cycles: Some research suggests that the hormonal and relaxation benefits of orgasms can contribute to longer periods of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which is the stage of sleep most associated with dreaming, memory consolidation, and emotional processing. Good REM sleep is key for waking up feeling refreshed and mentally clear.
• Deeper sleep: Thanks to the combined effects of oxytocin and prolactin, orgasms help promote deeper stages of non-REM sleep, where your body undergoes most of its physical healing and repair. Deeper sleep cycles are associated with better immune function, improved muscle recovery, and reduced fatigue.
• Reduced sleep interruptions: The stress-relieving power of orgasms can help reduce the number of times you wake up during the night. If you’re someone who struggles with tossing and turning, having an orgasm before bed might help your mind and body stay calm and reduce nighttime awakenings.

What if you don’t orgasm easily?

It’s worth mentioning that not all women orgasm easily. If you struggle with orgasm or simply want to improve your sexual experience, it’s important not to put pressure on yourself. While orgasms can aid sleep, any sexual activity or masturbation without climax can release some of the relaxing chemicals we discussed. 

If you're curious about exploring ways to reach orgasm more frequently or comfortably, consider these tips:

• Take your time: Enjoy the journey of foreplay, self-exploration, or intimacy. Building up arousal gradually helps your body and mind relax, making it more likely to reach orgasm.
• Experiment with what feels good: Every woman’s body is unique, so don’t hesitate to try different stimulation methods or types of touch. Find what makes you feel good, whether that’s through clitoral, vaginal, or mixed stimulation.
• Use tools and toys: If you find orgasms elusive, don’t hesitate to explore the world of sex toys. Vibrators, for example, can help many women achieve orgasm more easily by providing consistent stimulation. Vella’s Pleasure Serum also supports easier, longer, more intense, and more satisfying orgasms.
• Be kind to yourself: If orgasms don’t come easily for you (pun intended), try not to beat yourself up. It doesn’t mean there’s something “wrong” with you. Putting pressure on your mind and body to reach climax will only make it that much harder, so focus on being in the moment and if it’s not in the cards this time, try again tomorrow. 

It’s equally important to recognize that while orgasms can help you catch some z’s, they’re not the be-all and end-all of a good night’s sleep. If your mind is preoccupied with stress or distractions, an orgasm might not have the same sleep-inducing benefits. However, if you allow yourself to be fully present and enjoy the sensations, the chances of experiencing those post-orgasm relaxation benefits increase.

Additionally, sex with a partner may involve emotional factors that either enhance or diminish the calming effects of orgasm. The key is feeling safe, relaxed, and connected during intimate moments, which can make the post-orgasm effects even more powerful.

Whether you're snuggling up for a restful night alone or with a partner, orgasms can play a surprisingly effective role in your sleep routine. Thanks to the rush of relaxation-inducing hormones, muscle tension release, and mood-boosting benefits, your body is primed for a deep, restorative sleep after climax.

Next time you're struggling to fall asleep, consider indulging in a little "me time" or intimate moments with a partner. Your body — and your sleep — just might thank you.