Why does having sex make you sleepy?
In the future, if your partner falls asleep after having sex or does not get aboard in an after-play activity, there is nothing to feel offended about, as there is a logical origin to it. There are several factors responsible for this behavior that does not have anything to do with your relationship to each other, their affection for you, or his functioning in the bedroom. So, why does sex make you sleepy? As per some medical authorities, as soon as the person reaches orgasm, the chemicals in their body fluctuate. It happens when the chemical in your body known as prolactin is released; it makes you drained and verges on dozing off after an intercourse session.
- The Biological Reasons— A famous doctor says that biological responses to sex, like thyroid disorders and anemia, could affect your stamina and add to after-sex tiredness. In the matter of anemia, it inhibits the body from receiving sufficient oxygen-rich blood, leading you to feel fatigued. As to thyroid condition, a hypoactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can result in exhaustion.
- Hormonal Release— The oxytocin hormone is released after having sexual intercourse, said by many well-known researchers and associations. Prolactin and oxytocin are two hormones that are released after reaching orgasms and are accountable for increased sleepiness and relaxation, discloses a popular doctor. Changes in testosterone and estrogen could also influence energy levels.
- Endorphins and Stress Relief— There are individuals who take sexual sessions as a means to loosen up and relax. The muscles in the body can treat some tension, and you could get a break from stress after having sex, reveals the specialist.
- Physical Exhaustion— Sexual intercourse might be counted as an exercise, since a sex session lasting for a standard of 25 minutes, along with foreplay, scorched about 69 to 101 calories in people, according to a certain qualified study. So, if you are occupied in a rigorous or extended session of sexual interaction, it may leave you exhausted exactly like after working out.
The Role of the Nervous System
Sex drive, excitement, and orgasm are mediated by complicated, yet still not entirely comprehended, connections of the autonomic and somatic nervous systems functioning at the peripheral and central levels. Interference of neural, endocrine, or vascular reactions, led by medical conditions, aging, surgery, neural disorders, or drugs, can result in sexual disorders, hence drastically influencing individual’s standard of life.
After sex, the nervous system, specifically the parasympathetic area, triggers a calming reaction by sex hormones released during sex, such as prolactin and oxytocin that majorly adds on to your feeling of calmness and sleepiness, eventually making you feel tired and drowsy. Basically, the body shifts from an intensified position while being excited to a rested state after the orgasm, leading you to drowsiness.
Psychological and Emotional Factors
Psychological and emotional factors are interconnected when it comes to contributing to the feeling of after sex. Emotional connection during the activity, feelings of bonding and intimacy through oxytocin release, a feeling of reaching an orgasm, stress reduction, and possible anxieties are some factors that add up to the relaxation or tiredness after having sex. So next time you think about why you feel tired after sex, this is your answer.
Differences between Men and Women
People always are stuck in the phase of the question mark of do women/men get tired after sex. It is normal to get offended or confused about why your partner is getting all drowsy and tired after having sex, and in these feelings, fights or arguments happen.
But it is not known by many that it is quite common to get sleepy post-sex. According to the available research, women are most likely to feel sleepier and fall asleep post sex as compared to men.
Studies report that this may be because of hormonal fluctuations and evolutionary psychology, where females can prioritize relaxation and connecting after sex more than males.
Timing and Context
People start to feel sleepy right after achieving orgasm during intercourse; this is when the body releases two hormones in significant amounts that are linked with the feeling of sleepiness and relaxation.
A broader factor that can affect the drowsiness experienced post-sex is the emotional bonding, physical exhaustion, and rest you take before having sex.
Tips for Better Sleep after Sex
Specific tips for better sleep after sex are-
- Plan to have sex slightly ahead in the evening to let time to wind down before bedtime.
- Use calming scented candles, dim the lights a little, and keep the atmosphere in your bedroom comfortable.
- Communicate about your needs and concerns about sleep post-sex.
- Consume water after sex to stock up on fluids.
- Reduce bright light exposure of phones and TVs before bedtime.
- Take a warm bath or gently stretch to lead your body to transition into a calm state.
- Maintain a proper sleep-wake cycle and follow an appropriate, peaceful bedtime routine.
- Do deep breathing exercises to calm your body.
Conclusion
The energy levels after having sex can differ from person to person, since some may get boosted to take on the world and others may get tired and sleepy. The relationship between sex and sleep is positive. For whoever is wondering, sleeping right after having sex is absolutely normal since there is a scientific reason behind it. The release of prolactin and oxytocin after getting an orgasm plays a huge role in making you feel tired afterward, resulting in sleepiness.
FAQ
Is it normal for sex to make you sleepy?
Yes, it is absolutely normal for sex make you sleepy.
Does sex feel better for men or women?
As per the research, sex feels better for men than women since they are more likely to reach an orgasm during sexual intercourse.
Is it good if she falls asleep after sex?
Yes, falling asleep after sex is a great indication of better connection and affection between partners and that the experience was enjoyable and calming.
Which Gender is more tired after sex?
Both genders get tired after having sex. However, women are more likely to feel tired after sex than men and tend to fall asleep right away.
Why do i get extremely sleepy after sex?
You get extremely sleepy after sex because certain hormones, such as prolactin and oxytocin, get released, which is responsible for making you feel sleepy following tiredness.
How to avoid tiredness after sex?
To avoid tiredness after sex, stay hydrated, eat a light snack, get sufficient sleep, etc.