The Mental Health Benefits of Morning Sex

To start their day the right way (forgive the rhyme) some people turn to meditation, others go for a workout. But having sex first thing in the morning might have some surprising benefits, too — especially for your mental health. Granted, there’s no best time of day to have sex, but if you’re not put off by the thought of a little morning breath, why not give it a go? 

Whether you’re looking to boost your mood, balance your hormones, or elevate your libido, morning sex offers a range of surprising mental health perks. Let’s dive into why adding morning intimacy to your routine could be the game-changer you never knew you needed.

It starts your day on the right foot

Morning sex is a mood-boosting powerhouse, largely because of the hormone release that comes with sexual activity. When you engage in sex, your body releases a cocktail of hormones that are proven to uplift your mood and improve your overall emotional state.

• Endorphins: Often called the "feel-good" hormones, endorphins are released during sexual activity and are responsible for creating feelings of happiness and relaxation. These natural chemicals help to reduce pain, elevate mood, and increase feelings of euphoria.

• Oxytocin: Known as the "love hormone," oxytocin plays a key role in bonding and emotional connection. It's also known to reduce stress and anxiety, making morning sex a natural remedy for starting the day on a positive note. A study published in Psychoneuroendocrinology found that oxytocin significantly reduces levels of cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone, which is crucial for mental health.

These hormones work together to combat stress and anxiety, leaving you feeling happier, more relaxed, and emotionally connected to your partner right from the get-go. Regularly engaging in morning sex can help build a positive feedback loop. The more frequently you experience sexual intimacy, the more your body craves the release of feel-good hormones like serotonin and dopamine, which enhance both libido and mood.

It harnesses your libido

Your body is primed for sex in the morning. Estrogen and testosterone — two crucial hormones for sexual function and desire — tend to peak in the morning, which is why many people find their libido is naturally higher at this time. 

Your energy levels are also higher in the morning. This can make you feel more alert and engaged when it comes to intimacy. At the end of the day, many of us are exhausted and might find it hard to focus. This can make it tricky to get into the right mood for intimacy after a long day.

This means you might be more in the mood for sex in the morning, which can increase arousal (and therefore, sexual satisfaction).

It promotes bonding with your partner

Morning sex isn’t just about physical pleasure — it’s also about emotional intimacy. Sharing a close and intimate moment with your partner helps foster a sense of security and emotional connection, which can be a powerful buffer against the stresses of the day.

• Stress reduction: By promoting the release of oxytocin, morning sex can lower your stress levels and enhance your emotional bond with your partner. Feeling supported emotionally can reduce anxiety and provide a sense of calm as you move through your day. Research shows that oxytocin, released during sex and physical touch, directly contributes to a reduction in cortisol levels, alleviating stress and creating a sense of peace.

• Greater relationship satisfaction: Sexual intimacy boosts communication and trust in relationships. The physical and emotional closeness that comes with morning sex fosters a deeper connection, which helps both partners feel more supported and loved. A secure emotional connection is key to managing stress and building resilience against life’s challenges.

It can give you a confidence boost

Lastly, morning sex can help you start your day feeling more confident. The act of engaging in sexual intimacy helps remind you of your own worth and attractiveness, which boosts self-esteem. When you feel confident about yourself, you’re more likely to face the day’s challenges with a positive attitude.

Confidence can improve mental health by reducing feelings of insecurity, depression, and anxiety. When you feel empowered and in touch with your body, you’re more likely to make healthy decisions throughout the day, whether it’s managing stress, staying active, or connecting with others in meaningful ways.

It sets the stage for restorative sleep

We all know how important a good night’s sleep is for mental health, but did you know that morning sex can actually contribute to better sleep quality at night? The hormones released during sex, such as prolactin, have a calming effect on the body, promoting relaxation and encouraging restful sleep.

Prolactin is particularly important when it comes to promoting relaxation after orgasm. It has a sedative effect on the body, which can help you fall asleep faster and experience deeper, more restorative sleep. A study in The Journal of Sexual Medicine found that prolactin levels increase significantly following orgasm, which encourages feelings of relaxation and drowsiness.

Better sleep, in turn, improves mental health. Studies show that adequate sleep helps reduce stress, increases cognitive function, and improves mood. So, morning sex can set the stage for a well-rested night, which is essential for your overall mental well-being.

The takeaway 

It's important to remember that morning sex isn't for everyone. If your mornings are typically a whirlwind of getting the kids ready for school and racing against rush hour traffic, then adding a quickie to your to-do (pun intended) list might not be the best idea. Evenings could be a much better option — by then, you've probably checked off all the day's tasks and can finally unwind, making it easier to enjoy a moment of intimacy with your partner.

That said, if the idea of morning sex excites you and fits your lifestyle, it’s absolutely worth giving it a try.

From boosting your mood with feel-good hormones to balancing cortisol levels, improving libido, and fostering a deeper emotional connection, morning sex could offer a range of mental health benefits that go beyond just physical pleasure. 

So, the next time you wake up, instead of reaching for your phone or your coffee mug, consider reaching for your partner. You might be surprised at the positive mental health benefits that follow.