Sexual Activity and Sleep: A Study on Its Impact on Sleep Quality

Recent research published in Sleep Health explores how sexual activity influences sleep patterns. The study highlights that both partnered sex and solo masturbation contribute to improved sleep efficiency and reduced nighttime wakefulness.

How Does Sex Affect Sleep?

Sexual activity, especially achieving orgasm, is known to have sleep-enhancing effects. This is linked to hormonal changes, including:

• Increased Oxytocin: Promotes relaxation and improves sleep quality.
• Higher Prolactin Levels: Associated with sexual satisfaction and deeper sleep.
• Reduced Cortisol: Lowers stress, making it easier to fall asleep.

Study Overview

The study involved healthy heterosexual couples aged 18 and above who engaged in sexual activity at least twice per week. Exclusions included individuals with sleep disorders, pregnant participants, and those with children. The research took place in South Australia and required participants to record their sleep patterns over 11 nights.

Methodology

• Participants used the DREEM3 headband for sleep monitoring.
• Three conditions were tested: no sex, partnered sex, and solo masturbation.
• Sleep data was analyzed using polysomnography.

Key Findings

The study revealed that sexual activity significantly enhanced sleep quality:

• Higher Sleep Efficiency: Less time spent awake at night.
• Delayed Sleep Onset: Later bedtime but improved readiness for the next day.
• Better Motivation Levels: Increased alertness and energy upon waking.
• Reduced Wake After Sleep Onset (WASO): Fewer interruptions during sleep.

Notably, women experienced longer sleep duration and reduced nighttime wakefulness after either partnered sex or solo masturbation.

REM Sleep and Sleep Concordance

Participants who slept together, regardless of sexual activity, experienced longer REM sleep synchronization. This suggests that co-sleeping alone positively impacts sleep cycles.

Study Limitations

While the study offers valuable insights, it had some limitations:

• Small sample size (14 participants).
• Only included heterosexual couples.
• Limited to healthy sleepers in South Australia.
• Did not consider relationship satisfaction or menstrual cycle effects.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that sexual activity, whether with a partner or solo, may serve as a natural, non-pharmacological method to enhance sleep. The study underscores the need for further research with a larger and more diverse sample.

Reference: Lastella M, Miller DJ, Montero A, et al. Sleep on it: A pilot study exploring the impact of sexual activity on sleep outcomes in cohabiting couples. Sleep Health, 2025. Read Full Study