Are sleep and masturbation related? Yes! Chances are, like many others, you've noticed that a good self-care session can mean better sleep. If you haven't yet, rest assured, there's science to back it up. Join me as I explore this fun relationship with a look at the bigger picture, statistics, and more!

The fact is that in the United States, there are approximately 5 million Google searches per month related to sleep issues, so there's no doubt we're looking for options. But there's a question here: Why isn't pleasure a bigger part of the sleep conversation? Because it should be. And reading about the topic not only gives you the facts to contribute to the discussion, but it also helps you learn about options you can incorporate into your own life.

The science of sleep and masturbation

Masturbation triggers the release of several hormones in the brain. During orgasm, the body releases a cocktail of feel-good chemicals, such as oxytocin, dopamine, and endorphins. Oxytocin and endorphins, in particular, are associated with relaxation, so it's clear that self-love can make it much easier to fall asleep.

One of the benefits of masturbation is its ability to reduce levels of cortisol, the chemical associated with stress. Many of us struggle to fall asleep at night because our minds are distracted by stressful thoughts, making it difficult to relax. During the night, the body naturally releases a mixture of oxytocin, serotonin, prolactin, and melatonin as part of its daily cycle.

Melatonin is the hormone responsible for making you feel sleepy, but other hormones (oxytocin, serotonin, and prolactin) play an important role in improving the quality of your sleep. By masturbating and achieving orgasm, you can effectively enhance this natural process, helping you relax and enjoy a more restful night's sleep.

Want to know the hard numbers? Here they are. A recent study found that 54% of participants said they slept better after masturbating and having an orgasm.

Masturbation as a form of meditation

Masturbation can be meditative (FYI, meditating doesn't mean not thinking ). The brain generates thoughts because that's its job. You can't turn it off. Your job is to create a space (mental and/or physical) to process thoughts at a conscious pace, block out distractions, and focus on your body.

And since the rhythmic, centered nature of masturbation can be meditative , it shouldn't be surprising that there's a link to sleep. Heck, meditation is already a notorious narcoleptic nightmare given the fact that it physiologically mirrors what happens when we sleep. So that time your friend fell asleep during yoga class? The norm. Classical meditation or sex meditation can all help calm your mind and get you to sleep at night.

Sleep routine and quality

As millions of TikTok and Instagram videos will tell you, establishing a bedtime routine is the right move for better quality sleep. If you loved Pavlov's play in school, you may already know that established routines can affect the body on both a conscious and subconscious level. Therefore, establishing (and maintaining!) a bedtime routine can signal your body that it's time to wind down for the night. Incorporating masturbation into your nighttime routine may be the key to better sleep.

If you understand the hormonal and psychological benefits, as well as recognize its meditative qualities, you'll know how to turn things around and improve the quality of your sleep. So the next time you toss and turn, consider saying goodbye with a little self-love.