When Is The Best Time for Sex?
Some people prefer to get to bed early and wake up early, while others would rather stay up late and sleep in — but do our internal clocks tick the same way when it comes to our appetite for sex? and what is the best time for sex?
And a 2015 survey by a sex toy company Lovehoney discovered that men tend to demand sex in the morning hours between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m., while women tend to be in the mood at night between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m.
Also, age usually play a role in our preferred sex schedules, too, sex therapist and neuroscience researcher Nan Wise said.
“As a rule, people become more like larks as they age. They like to go back to bed earlier and probably would be more interested in sex in the morning,” Wise, author of “Why Good Sex Matters,” told HuffPost. “Young people tend to be night owls and might be more available or interested in sex in the evening.”
However, is there actually a “best” time of day to have sex? We turned to sex experts to get the pros and cons of doing the deed morning, afternoon and night.
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Morning sex
And one reason why men in particular usually want sex before breakfast? Around 8 a.m. is when testosterone levels — the sex hormone that plays a role in libido and erections — are at their peak.
“For testosterone-producing men, mornings are when the levels of testosterone are highest, since it’s made during sleep,” Robin Wilson-Beattie, a disability and sexuality advocate and educator, told HuffPost. “For some men, this means they have a better sexual response in the a.m.”
Also, feel-good neurotransmitters such as endorphins and dopamine are released during sex , “which is a great way to be in a good mood and start your day right,” sex therapist Nazanin Moali, host of the podcast “Sexology,” said.
And most men may feel extra energetic or enthusiastic in the morning hours, which could make them more game for sex at that time, Wise added.
However, there are some potential drawbacks, because mornings tend to be hectic for people who have to juggle getting ready for work, trying to get the kids off to school and other to-dos.
And a tight schedule can make it hard for some people to be fully present and in the mood for sex.
“Also, stress may lead to struggles with sexual functioning — which, in turn, may result in disappointment and not how you would want to start your morning,” Moali said.
And some people may feel energized by morning sex, but for others, getting busy in the a.m. can make them want to curl up in bed and go back to sleep. The cocktail of hormones released during sex and orgasm can make you feel uber-relaxed but also tired, which isn’t ideal when you’re about to face the day.
“For some, orgasms and sexual activity are exhausting and [they]need rest and emotional care afterward,” Wilson-Beattie said. “And you might not have time for that!”
So, when was the last time you hugged each other without initiating sex? Hugs boost oxytocin levels, which heal feelings of loneliness and anger. It’s time to show some love!
Evening sex
Sex at night is popular for a reason, Wilson-Beattie said. It’s only after the events of the day are behind them that partners finally have a chance to relax and connect without distractions.
And she said the “With work, children and activities, nighttime is when things slow down and it’s just you and your partner, wrapping the day off with making love before dropping off to sleep,”
Interestingly, having sex before bed can make it easier for some people to fall asleep, thanks to the release of hormones such as prolactin and oxytocin.
“A mutually satisfying physical and mental interaction before sleep enhances mood, feelings of well-being, releases stress and makes it easier to switch off the busy mind to go to sleep and stay asleep,” Amer Khan, a Sutter Health neurologist and sleep specialist, told Healthline. “If a satisfying sexual orgasm after an exciting foreplay is a part of that interaction, it is also likely to lead to better sleep.”
So, on the other hand, if you’re already mentally exhausted before you even get into bed, then sex might be the furthest thing from your mind.
Moali said “The stress or occurrences of the day may still occupy a significant portion of your thoughts, and it’s difficult to transition that into a sexual context.”
And if you live with certain health conditions or disabilities, “your body may physically be in too much pain from a full day’s activities” to have sex before bed, Wilson-Beattie said.
Don’t forget about afternoon delights
With more couples working from home during the pandemic, a weekday afternoon delight is now, at least, a logistical possibility (though if you also have kids at home, it could be trickier to pull off).
And a midday roll in the hay can help you shake off work stress and, like any physical activity, may even boost your mood and productivity for the rest of the day.
“This could be a perfect compromise for couples who have different preferences as far as the timing of their sexual play,” Moali said. “Another added benefit of this is the introduction of change in couples’ sex routines, which might help them break free from sexual boredom.”
What’s The Best Time To Do The Deed?
According to experts, there’s no definitively ideal time to have sex. It really depends what works for you and your partner.
If you two happen to have different time preferences, not to worry. As long as you can talk honestly about what you want, you can figure out a window that’s mutually beneficial, whether that’s meeting in the middle or alternating between your preferred times of day.
So, if you need a little help getting in the mood at your non-peak times, try exploring psychological activities — such as mindfulness or reading erotica — or physiological activities, like taking a shower or exercising, Moali said.
And remember that “sex” doesn’t always have to include penetration either. Oral sex, sensual massages and other acts are options, too.
“It does not always have to look like intercourse or even involve a whole lot of friction and genitals,” Wise said. “It can be mutual masturbation. It can be outercourse. It can be anything that feels good and is erotic and playful.”
When Is The Best Time To Get Pregnant?
Actually, your best chance of getting pregnant is 12-16 days before your period. And pregnancy is technically only possible if you have sex during the five days before ovulation or on the day of ovulation.
But the most fertile days are the three days leading up to and including ovulation. So, having sex during this time gives you the best chance of getting pregnant.
Is it bad to have sex everyday?
Sex is known to be a proven stress-buster which elevates your mood instantly, and yes, it is completely normal to have sex every day.
And new research shows it could even lengthen your life––check out how many times you need to have sex to slow down aging.
In a 2017 study published in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology, researchers tracked the sex lives of 129 mothers in relationships.
The women gave daily reports on their satisfaction with their relationship, as well as how often they were intimate with their partners.
The researchers also took blood samples from the women, analyzing cells for indicators of aging. They found women who had sex with their partners in the previous week had longer telomeres compared to those that did not