Sounder Sleep
It's downright dreamy how an O can lull you to sleep. That's because the
same endorphins that help you de-stress can also relax your mind and
body, priming you for slumber, says Cindy M. Meston, Ph.D., director of
the Sexual Psychophysiology Laboratory at the University of Texas at
Austin and coauthor of
Why Women Have Sex. Plus, during orgasm,
the hormone prolactin is released. "Prolactin levels are naturally
higher when we sleep, which suggests a strong relationship between the
two," she says. But if you're wild in the sack, take note: Highly active
sex can make you feel more energized than sleepy. Sex should never be a
snooze, but if you want to use knocking boots as a sleep aid, skip the
acrobatics and opt for a subdued session.
Sounder Sleep
It's downright dreamy how an O can lull you to sleep. That's because the
same endorphins that help you de-stress can also relax your mind and
body, priming you for slumber, says Cindy M. Meston, Ph.D., director of
the Sexual Psychophysiology Laboratory at the University of Texas at
Austin and coauthor of Why Women Have Sex. Plus, during orgasm,
the hormone prolactin is released. "Prolactin levels are naturally
higher when we sleep, which suggests a strong relationship between the
two," she says. But if you're wild in the sack, take note: Highly active
sex can make you feel more energized than sleepy. Sex should never be a
snooze, but if you want to use knocking boots as a sleep aid, skip the
acrobatics and opt for a subdued session.
Minimized Pain
Talk about flipping the script: "Yes, tonight, honey—I have a headache."
The surge of hormones released after an orgasm can help ease any
annoying ache, whether it's a strained back or a head pounder, says
Meston. A study conducted at the Headache Clinic at Southern Illinois
University found that half of female migraine sufferers reported relief
after climaxing. "The endorphins that are released during an orgasm
closely resemble morphine, and they effectively relieve pain," says Meston. Have a migraine but your man isn't around? Self-medicate by treating yourself with some solo sex. As long as you hit your peak, masturbating will have the same soothing effect.
Fewer Colds
There's nothing sexy about sneezing, wheezing, or that runny-nose look.
But getting hot and bothered can help you avoid coming down with the
sniffles: People who have sex were found to have higher levels of an
antibody called immunoglobulin A (IgA), according to researchers at
Wilkes University in Pennsylvania. These antibodies help combat diseases
and keep the body safe from colds and flu. Save up your sick days and use them as sex days!
A Youthful Glow
Get busy to get gorgeous: In a study conducted at the Royal Edinburgh
Hospital in Scotland, a panel of judges viewed participants through a
one-way mirror and guessed their ages. Those who were enjoying lots of
nooky with a steady partner—four times a week, on average—were perceived
to be seven to 12 years younger than their actual age. Regular sex
promotes the release of hormones, including testosterone and estrogen,
which can keep the body looking young and vital; estrogen has also been
shown to promote soft skin and shiny hair, says Meston. Move over,
moisturizer—time to turn back the clock with some shagging.
Lighter Periods (with Fewer Cramps)
"When a woman orgasms, her uterus contracts and, in the process, rids
the body of cramp-causing compounds," explains Meston. The increased
number of uterine contractions can also help expel blood and tissue more
quickly, helping to end your period faster, she adds.
Going horizontal while menstruating has also been shown to help
decrease the risk for endometriosis, a common condition in which uterine
tissue grows outside of the uterus, causing pelvic pain and sex that hurts, according to researchers at Yale University School of Medicine.
Sex during your period may not sound too appealing, but don't stress
over making a mess. Just lay down a dark-colored towel and stick to
missionary; when you're lying down, your flow tends to be lighter, says
WH advisor Michelle Callahan, Ph.D., author of Ms. Typed: Stop Sabotaging Your Relationships and Find Dating Success.
A More Toned Bod
Sex counts as cardio! A romp can burn anywhere from 85 to 250 calories,
depending on the length of the session (obviously a quickie will be less
strenuous than an all-night pleasurefest), says Meston. In fact,
cardiologists consider sexual activity comparable to a modest workout on a treadmill, according to a study published in The American Journal of Cardiology.
Not only will your ticker get a workout, but you'll also squeeze in some sculpting: "Your abs and the muscles in your back, butt, and thighs get a good workout as you thrust during sex," says Hutcherson. Looks like you have a pretty good reason to skip spin class on Sunday morning and work up a sweat in bed.
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