It’s a chemical reaction! There’s no simple, definitive scientific explanation for this age-old conundrum. But if you think about it long enough, the sex-sleep connection makes sense, especially if you consider that many men have their first orgasms in their sleep.
Wet dreams, nocturnal tumescence, morning erections… In the end, we may be no better than praying mantises: males continue to mate even after being decapitated by their lovers. But they don’t fall into a deep sleep…
Hormones to blame?
Afterorgasm, both men and women release chemicals such as oxytocin, prolactin, gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) and endorphins. Each of these contributes to that rolling, snoring sensation, hence that strong urge to sleep, and the sleep that takes them. The hormone oxytocin is known to have several effects, including establishing maternal behavior, stimulating uterine smooth muscle contraction at birth, and stimulating milk ejection (milk flow). It’s also known as the “cuddle hormone”, as it tends to arouse the need for closeness and bonding. In one study, oxytocin inhibited male sexual behavior in prairie voles. Maybe it’s oxytocin that makes us feel full and rested.
Prolactin is another player in the sex/sleep saga. Prolactin is produced in the pituitary gland and its best-known function is to stimulate milk production. Prolactin is believed to relieve sexual arousal after orgasm and prevent you from having sex. Prolactin levels increase during sleep, and some patients with prolactin-secreting tumors report drowsiness. So prolactin seems to be one of the culprits. The couple’s enemy.
GABA and endorphins also have a calming effect and can make you pass out after sex. Hence the deep sleep. So why does the post-coital nap seem to be such a men’s thing? And is it a problem when one has a stronger libido than the other?
A state of semi-consciousness
It may come as a shock to some of you, but men have been known to ejaculate in a variety of semi-automated states, such as during prostate exams and while flipping through zany issues of National Geographic magazine. Women, on the other hand, don’t always have orgasms during intercourse, as this prevents them from producing all those other hormones. So, if performance is your problem, don’t miss our 15 simple ways to prolong sex (a lot).
We’ve looked, but we can’t find a study that talks about sleepiness after masturbation (male or female). This state of tiredness and slumber is not only linked to orgasm, but also to physical exertion in bed. To help advance science, take a look at a French live sex site and give us your feedback in the comments (it’s for science … eh … !).
