Why Men Should Be Having More Morning Sex (And What Happens After)
Sex, at least in movies, usually follows an intimate dinner, candles, romantic music, and being alone in someone's apartment. The mood is set, the lights are dim, and it's nighttime. Even in real life, it can feel like "bedroom quality time" with your significant other is the dessert that's supposed to arrive at the end of a long day. But experts would like to tell you otherwise, essentially debunking things that movies taught you about sex. Men, in particular, have a few different reasons why sex first thing in the morning can be beneficial. From a mood boost to the perfect way to bond with your partner, the list is pretty compelling.
For starters, sex in the morning can be a natural progression from waking up with an erection, also referred to as morning wood or nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT). Your parasympathetic nervous system, which is active even as you sleep, is what contributes to morning wood. Some experts think accidental touch and hormonal shifts during sleep are the culprits. Whatever the reason, "having a ready-made erection is highly beneficial to you because it's one step that is already complete," explained sexologist and sex educator Marla Renee Stewart (via Men's Health). Also, your sex hormone testosterone is at its peak in the morning hours. This not only means you're more inclined to feel aroused, but it could also mean you'll last longer. Other reasons why you should cozy up with your significant other as soon as you wake up include physical, psychological, and relational benefits.
Physical and mental health benefits of morning sex for men
The most obvious physical health benefit is exercise. While sexual activity can in no way replace a scheduled workout, it is a good way to get your limbs, heart, and muscles moving first thing in the morning. Although the calories burned during this pleasurable activity might be minuscule (five calories a minute, per Harvard Health Publishing), at the very least, you're getting a cardiovascular workout. "Regular sexual activity is good for your heart rate, blood pressure, and circulation. These processes keep your body healthy and release toxins and pent up tension in the body," according to Los Angeles-based psychologist and sex therapist Shannon Chavez (via HuffPost).
Some research has also been done on how sex can boost your immune system, although experts aren't convinced this can result in any substantial protection against disease during the day. More data is likely needed on this particular health benefit for men.
As for mental health benefits, sex is known to release a host of feel-good chemicals, all of which can help with starting the day off on the right foot. "Sex releases endorphins such as dopamine and serotonin, which improve your happiness and help you relax," explained certified sex educator and sexologist Suzannah Weiss (via Well+Good). Dopamine is a neurotransmitter connected to productivity, learning, and motivation as well. All of these can help you at work and with any other responsibilities you need to tackle during the day.
Relational health benefits of sex at dawn
One of the most effective ways to connect with your partner and keep them in your mind during the course of your day is to spend intimate time with them first thing in the morning. Sex, which involves skin-to-skin contact, releases oxytocin, also known as the "cuddle hormone" or "love hormone." This helps you feel connected to your partner. While not having sex can make you feel distant, the opposite can be true for regular sexual activity. Why not add to your weekly intimate time count by throwing in a few coituses at dawn?
Besides, engaging in foreplay and intimacy first thing in the morning when you're rested from a good night's sleep might feel more natural than attempting to do so when you're tired at the end of a day. There's something very pleasing about waking up nestled close to one another and slowly progressing into foreplay and (hopefully) sex.
Of course, it goes without saying that, despite the many health benefits, your partner's preference in the matter is important. Discuss morning sex with them honestly and openly, make compromises where needed, and find a time that works for both of you. The benefits of sex remain constant, no matter the time of day, except for the benefit of morning erections and high testosterone levels that can only be obtained at dawn.
Speaking of men and sex, did you know that having sex on an empty stomach can impact men in a unique way?