6 surprising health benefits of morning sex

Too tired, too grumpy, too much to do...There are many reasons why morning sex might not be top of the wish list when it comes to the ideal time to get it on.

Whether it's a quickie before work or a leisurely weekend morning in bed, there's no doubt, however, that getting frisky first thing can be a great way to start the day.

If only life didn't get in the way.

From fear of the kids barging in halfway through to the thought of your growing to-do list spoiling the moment, it can be hard to make morning sex work amid the chaos of everyday life.

But starting the day with sex actually comes with a whole host of health benefits, from boosting your memory and immune system to relieving anxiety.

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“Generally speaking, sex is highly beneficial for cardiovascular health, mental health and also relationship quality, but there’s much more to it than that," explains gynaecologist Agnieszka Nalewczynska, who works with RegenLab.

"It has been proven to lower blood pressure, relieve stress and anxiety, and even help boost the immune system.”

So if you’re looking for an excuse to hit snooze, forget grabbing an extra 10 minutes sleep and get it on instead.

Health benefits of morning sex

Boosts mood

Besides putting a spring in your step, sex first thing has been proven to boost your mood which could come in handy before that Monday morning meeting.

“If you go by your body clock you will find that hormone levels, including testosterone and oestrogen are naturally much higher in both men and women first thing in the morning," explains Nalewczynska. "Sex helps the release of ‘happy hormones’ like oxytocin and dopamine, and a surge in these hormones means you are much more likely to feel relaxed, and more cheerful throughout the day.”

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Relieves stress and anxiety

We all feel stressed from time to time, and whilst sex might be the last thing on your mind when you wake up, it can actually be a powerful tool in helping to relieve anxiety.

“Stress can manifest in a number of different ways from headaches and insomnia to chronic depression and even sexual dysfunction," Nalewczynska explains. "While stress is known to lower libido in both men and women, morning sex increases hormone activity, which in turn, helps to relieve stress."

In cases of sexual anxiety, Nalewczynska says morning sex can help you feel better.

"First thing in the morning, you and your partner are in a very vulnerable state, meaning you are both on the same level of intimacy and share the same energy levels," she adds.

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Helps to fight off germs

As the seasons change, we can find ourselves a little more susceptible to bugs, especially if we have young children. But did you realise it has been scientifically proven that those who are sexually active take fewer sick days?

“According to research, people who are more sexually active have around a 30% increase in IgA, which is an antibody responsible for the immune system," Nalewczynska explains.

Turns out having sex in the morning significantly increases the production of Immunoglobulin (IgA) in your body. Immunoglobulin is an antibody that plays a pivotal role in the immune function of mucous membranes, so higher levels of it can help to ward off bacteria and illnesses.

"Of course, looking after yourself is also very important when it comes to your immune system so ensure you are eating a balanced diet, staying active, and getting enough sleep. This will also help with your libido.”

Ramps up memory

If you’re not a morning person, you’ll know how easy it is to forget even the simplest of things before your caffeine hit. However, cranking up the heat between the sheets first thing could help clear the brain fog, and give your memory a boost.

“Morning sex helps to activate the brain, by giving it a sudden rush of hormones to the body," Nalewczynska explains.

"Studies show that those who have penetrative sex first thing in the morning have better memory recognition because of the increased hormone activity in the hippocampus, which is part of the brain responsible for learning and memory.”

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It's a workout

Who said you can’t get fit in bed? We all know that physical activity can be beneficial for both your heart and your health. Thankfully, sex raises your heart rate and breaks a sweat just as much as intense exercise; so, if you’ve skipped a day at the gym, a little intimacy could be just the key.

“Being sexually aroused increases the heart rate and peaks during the climax," Nalewczynska explains. "Ultimately this is great for your cardiovascular system. Men, in particular, are known to see great benefits from sex, and studies show it can reduce the risk of heart disease, and even prostate cancer.”

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It can lead to better sleep

Daily life can be hectic, so if you find it a little difficult to switch off at night you are certainly not alone. Around 16 million people in the UK alone suffer from sleep-related issues.

“As we get older, hormone levels begin to decline which again can lead to difficulty sleeping, particularly in women approaching menopause," says Nalewczynska.

Adults need at least seven hours of quality sleep each night to allow the body to repair itself, with sleep deficiency linked to several chronic health conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and depression.

"Naturally, for women sex causes a significant spike in oestrogen levels," Nalewczynska continues. "It is this spike that has been proven to help enhance and regulate the REM cycle leading to increased sleep quality."

"For men, morning sex helps to regulate the prefrontal cortex – the area of the brain which helps with alertness and mental activity," she adds.