In the hustle and bustle of modern life, stress and sleep disturbances have become all too common. Women are typically the ones tapped for active duty in the “sandwich generation” – that is taking care of our aging parents and kids simultaneously. These days, longer life spans and an economy in the dumpster has double downed into the “club-sandwich generation”, or taking care of even older parents, plus bomerang adult children or grandkids. Chances are, with high costs of living, we’re still working on top of everything else. The result: constant demands, responsibilities, deadlines and digital distractions that can leave us feeling overwhelmed and unable to get to sleep. However, amidst the chaos there exists a natural remedy that perhaps you’ve overlooked: the female orgasm!
Beyond its role in pleasure and intimacy, scientific research suggests that a woman’s orgasm can significantly reduce stress levels and promote better sleep, but how?
Stress Reduction Through Hormonal Release:
During sexual arousal and orgasm, the body releases a cocktail of hormones including oxytocin, endorphins and dopamine. Oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone”, promotes feelings of bonding and relaxation, which can help alleviate stress and anxiety. Endorphins, on the other hand, act as natural painkillers and mood enhancers, inducing a sense of euphoria and well-being. Dopamine, known as the “feel-good” neurotransmitter, reinforces pleasurable sensations contributing to a sense of satisfaction and contentment. This means, you guessed it, less stress. Less stress means in the afterglow you aren’t lying awake worrying about scheduling meetings between Dad’s doctor appointment, and picking your youngest up from the airport.
The Orgasm’s Impact on the Autonomic Nervous System:
Research indicates that orgasms trigger activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for the body’s “rest and digest” response. This activation counters the effects of the sympathetic nervous system, which governs the body’s “fight or flight” response to stress. By promoting relaxation and reducing physiological arousal, orgasms help restore balance to the autonomic nervous system, leading to a profound sense of calm and tranquility. So you’re sawing logs, not grinding teeth.
Enhancement of Sleep Quality:
The relaxation and sense of contentment induced by orgasms can have a profound impact on sleep quality. Oxytocin, in particular, has been shown to promote feelings of calmness and facilitate the onset of sleep. Furthermore, the release of endorphins and dopamine during orgasm can induce feelings of drowsiness and promote deep, restorative sleep. As a result, experiencing orgasms regularly may see you enjoying more restful and rejuvenating sleep cycles.
We now know orgasms can play a significant role in promoting better sleep and the reduction of stress, but sometimes achieving orgasms can be difficult due to decreased sensitivity. CliovanaTM is a non-invasive procedure that may increase women’s clitoral sensitivity, resulting in enhanced orgasms! By embracing and prioritizing sexual pleasure, women can harness the therapeutic power of the orgasm.
REFERENCES
Komisaruk, B. R., Beyer-Flores, C., & Whipple, B. (2006). The science of orgasm. The Johns Hopkins University Press
Brody, S. & Krüger, T. H. C. (2006) The Post Orgasmic Prolactin Increase Following Intercourse is Greater Than Following Masturbation and Suggests Greater Satiety. Biological Psychology. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2005.06.008
Oesterling, C., Borg, C., Juhola, E. & Lancel, M. (2023) The Influence of Sexual Activity on Sleep: A Diary Study. Journal of Sleep Research. doi: 10.1111/jsr.13814
Lastella, M., O’Mullan, C., Paterson, J. & Reynolds, A. (2019) Sex and Sleep: Perceptions of Sex as a Sleep Promoting Behavior in the General Adult Population. Front Public Health. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2019/00033
Hamilton, L. & Meston, C. (2013) Chronic Stress and Sexual Function in Women. Journal of Sexual Medicine. doi: 10.1111/jsm.12249
