We all know that self-care can help you get a good night’s sleep. But maybe it’s time to include a more intimate kind of ‘me-time’ in your bedtime routine.
According to a new survey conducted by female-focused sex toy brand Femme Funn, 95% of people say they experience a better quality night’s sleep after having an orgasm – backing up the many studies which have found similar results over the years.
This is, obviously, great news… if you have a sexual partner who’s willing to get you off every night without fail.
But if you’re out of the honeymoon phase, or if you’re single, then you might have to find a different way to achieve a nightly orgasm. Enter bedtime masturbation.
Just like lighting a candle, slapping on a face mask or having a warm bath, masturbation can provide a soothing, relaxing effect that can help you drift off into an untroubled sleep. And the authors of the new research think they know why this is.
‘The main reason that masturbation can help you sleep is the chemicals your body releases when you orgasm,’ say the experts at Femme Funn.
‘These all work together to reduce stress levels and make sure you’re sleeping soundly.
‘Our bodies go through REM and non-REM cycles throughout the night which control the quality and level of sleep we’re having. When we’re in our deepest, most undisturbed sleep, we’re experiencing a longer period of non-REM sleep which is described as “slow-wave”. These chemicals that are released when we orgasm work to increase the amount of “slow-wave” sleep we have.’
They add that this is particularly true for prolactin and that our bodies naturally have higher levels of prolactin while we sleep, so an orgasm can really help to get you there quicker.
‘You may notice, you feel like you want to go straight to sleep after a mind-blowing climax, this is due to prolactin, known to induce the sleepy or drowsy feeling that you experience after sex or masturbation.
‘Another significant chemical worth noting is everyone’s favourite, endorphins. Also known as the feel-good chemical that your body releases after exercise, the same thing happens when you orgasm – and you don’t even need to put on your trainers.
‘You may be familiar with the post-wank high that can sometimes feel like a wave of happiness that comes over you, this is the flood endorphins working their way around your body.’
It has also been found that having an orgasm can decrease pain. If you’re on your period, for example, the increased blood flow to your uterus can relieve cramps.
‘This, aided with the mixture of feel-good chemicals can reduce and alleviate pain to help you drift off for a good night’s kip,’ they tell us.
‘Of course, you’re not guaranteed an orgasm every time you masturbate but it definitely helps to get you into a relaxed mindset. Having your mind elsewhere can curb the bedtime worries and stop unwanted thoughts from flooding in and keeping you awake.’
So, how can you make sure your ‘special alone time’ is as relaxing as possible? How do you stop your brain from thinking about emails, or what you’re going to have for dinner tomorrow?
Femme Funn has put together some expert advice for getting in the mood:
How to find relaxing ways to masturbate
Reduce distractions
Your head really has to be in the game when it comes to orgasms.
Even the smallest distraction can throw you off your stride. This can be both internal and external distractions.
Make sure you clear your mind and concentrate on your breathing before masturbating. You’ll be surprised by how much a clear mind can help you experience more intense orgasms.
Choose your environment
The most obvious place to solo play before going off to sleep is in bed. However, unwinding can start before you get under the sheets.
Having a bath is a great way to relax, but also a great place to masturbate. Everyone knows you sleep better after having a bath, so why not combine the two?
There are so many waterproof sex toys, that can be enjoyed while soaking in a warm, bubble bath.
Use a sex toy
The beauty of sex toys is that they do most of the work for you. When you’re using your digits it can become less relaxing and more like work.
From bullets and bunnies to vibrators and dildos, there are so many options out there.
With many toys, the feeling is so intense that your focus is solely on that sensation and you’re completely undistracted. The vibrating sensation many toys help you experience in particular can be even more relaxing in themselves.
Watch porn or fantasize
Of course, the feeling of sex toys or your fingers is great in itself. However, watching porn or fantasizing can really relax your mind out of the everyday worries and anxiety.
In fact, sometimes, watching porn or even fantasizing before falling asleep can be reflected in dreams you have.
Some fortunate people are lucky enough to continue their fantasies into their dreams – and you can’t ask for better sleep than that.