Study Shows Sexual Activity Before Bed Can Improve Sleep Quality

If you find yourself tossing and turning at night, the solution might be closer than you think. A new study has revealed that engaging in sexual activity before bedtime can actually help you sleep better.

Researchers from Central Queensland University and Flinders University in Australia conducted a study involving seven heterosexual couples over the course of 11 nights. Each night, the couples participated in one of three conditions before sleep: solo masturbation, partnered sex, or no sexual activity.

Throughout the study, participants filled out daily surveys about their sex life and sleep patterns. Their sleep quality was also objectively measured using polysomnography headsets, which track brain activity, movement, and breathing.

The results showed that on nights with sexual activity, participants went to bed slightly later but experienced greater sleep efficiency. They also spent less time awake during the night. These findings were not based on self-reports but were directly measured by the sleep-recording headsets.

Participants reported feeling more motivated and ready for the day after engaging in sexual activity. On a 100-point scale, they felt up to 5 points more motivated after solo masturbation and 11 points more motivated after partnered sex.

While the study did not show improvements in falling asleep faster or sleeping longer, the researchers, led by sleep sport scientist Michele Lastella, believe this could be due to the small sample size and the immediate need to wear a headset and start a phone app to record sleep patterns.

To further explore the clinical benefits of sexual activity before bed, the researchers recommend future studies with larger sample sizes, a more diverse range of sexualities, and inclusion of individuals with sleep disorders, health conditions, and varying ages.

The findings of this study were published in the journal Sleep Health.