Does an Orgasm Really Help You Sleep Better?

If you’ve ever drifted off to sleep with a satisfied smile after an orgasm, there’s a good reason why. Orgasms aren’t just good for your pleasure — they’re also great for your sleep and your overall health. When you climax, your body releases a soothing mix of hormones like oxytocin, prolactin, and endorphins, which help reduce stress, ease anxiety, and promote feelings of calm and connection.

These post-orgasm effects can relax your muscles, lower your blood pressure, and gently guide your body into a restful state. Think of it as nature’s lullaby — no prescription needed. Whether you're flying solo or enjoying a partnered moment, a little nighttime pleasure might just be your new favorite sleep ritual.

Lack of sleep is more and more common, particularly in North America where we glorify a busy and rushed lifestyle. We love to boast about how much coffee we consume to make up for the lack of quality sleep time, but in fact, studies have shown that a lack of good quality sleep can lead to all sorts of mental and physical health problems.

Having an orgasm before you turn in for the night, whether it’s alone or with a partner, releases oxytocin into your blood stream, which reduces your stress hormone levels (cortisol). It also increases your serotonin, which is the happy hormone and prolactin which makes you feel relaxed and sleepy. Another hormone, vasopressin, is released directly into your brain to also reduce cortisol and increase the quality of your sleep.

For female bodied folks, estrogen levels are also elevated after an orgasm, and studies have linked this phenomenon to enhancing your REM cycle, giving you a better quality, deeper sleep. Similarly, male bodied folks release prolactin, which is what can cause intense sleepiness after an orgasm.  

Not only will an orgasm help you drift off more easily, it is the gift that keeps giving. Studies have found that women who get enough sleep are more likely to want sex more often and enjoy it more when they do have it.

While this may all be a convincing argument, the thought of an orgasm before bed can seem like a huge feat when we are overtired, overstressed and just overwhelmed. This is where a good vibrator or some high-quality lubricant can really do the trick. A clitoral vibrator like Tango X was designed specifically for quick, easy release, while a few drops of a water-based lubricant can ease the way for either solo or partnered orgasms.

No matter how you do it, science agrees. An orgasm before bed is going to help you sleep better and longer. The happy glow and the smile on your face in the morning are just a wonderful bonus.

Article first appeared on our sister site, Betty's Toy Box.