3 Benefits Of Morning Sex, Plus Science Reveals Best Day And Time To Get Naked In Bed
Most of us like to start our morning with a fresh cup of coffee or tea to prep our mind for the day ahead. While our day doesn't start until we leave our bed, getting naked and busy in between the sheets could be more effective than a cup of coffee. A survey from the United Kingdom-based pharmacy company, Superdrug, found most couples have sex in the morning, specifically 9 a.m. on a Sunday.
"I'm not at all surprised that Sunday mornings are such a popular slot for sexiness: people are relaxed, and have more time on their hands," Alix Fox, who lists herself as a journalist, broadcaster, sex education and Superdrug expert, told The DailyMail.
Read More: 5 Health Reasons To Make Love, Even When You're Not In The Mood
Feelings of serenity and relaxation are linked to the "weekend effect." This phenomenon refers to the mood variation employed adults experience Friday evening into Sunday afternoon. A 2010 study in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology found the effect is largely associated with the freedom to choose our activities (sex) and the opportunity to spend time with loved ones (partners).
The weekend provides critical opportunities for bonding with others, exploring our interests, and relaxing.
Unsurprisingly, the most popular times to have sex, following Sunday 9 a.m., included:
Saturday: 10:30 p.m.
Saturday: 11:30 p.m.
Friday: 10:30 p.m.
Saturday: 10:30 a.m.
Saturday: 11:30 a.m.
Friday: 10:30 p.m.
Saturday: 11:15 p.m.
Saturday: 9:30 p.m.
Sunday: 9:30 p.m.
Meanwhile, the worst times to get busy in the boudoir included:
Monday: 8:15 p.m.
Monday: 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday: 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday: 9 p.m.
Thursday: 8 a.m.
Thursday: 7:30 p.m.
Monday: 8 a.m.
Wednesday: 7:30 a.m.
Friday: 5 p.m.
Saturday: 5 p.m.
The worst times appeared to be before and after work during the week. Most of us work 40-hour work weeks, or sometimes more, which can put a strain on our physical and mental health. Previous research has linked 40-hour work week shifts with cognitive decline for those over the age of 40. Those who worked part time, or around 25 hours a week, showed no signs of cognitive decline. In old age, cognitive abilities affect people's chances of engaging in sex.
The Superdrug survey, which polled 2,000 British participants, also revealed alcohol did not influence couples' desires to have sex. The most popular pre-sex activities were a romantic meal, watching TV, talking intimately with our partners, going to a bar, or hanging out with friends. Realistically, most of these activities are not practical prior to 9 a.m. on a Sunday.
Read More: 6 Science-Backed Benefits Of BDSM
It also seems sacrificing the extra shut eye in the morning could benefit our health.
Boosts Mood
Pleasurable activities, like eating, and sex, deliver more than just pleasure. A 2010 study in PNAS found these activities could reduce stress by inhibiting anxiety responses in the brain, and boost our mood. During sex and other activities, we experience a release of oxytocin, the feel-good chemical that has many positive effects on our body. This makes us feel closer to our partner, and keeps us gleeful, especially after sex.
Feel Younger
Regular morning sex can make us look five to seven years younger via the release of endorphins, a "feel good" chemical. Dr. David Weeks, former head of old age psychology at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital, asked men and women questions about their sex lives. He found those who looked younger than their age claimed to have sex an average 50 percent more, in the 40 to 50 age group, which equated to three times a week, rather than twice. Sex causes the release of the human growth hormone, which can make the skin look more elastic, among other biological reactions.
Burns Calories
The best way to start your day is with some sexercise. On average, young people burn 4.2 calories a minute for men, and 3.1 calories a minute for women, according to a study in PLoS ONE. In other words, sex is a better exercise than a walk, but perhaps not as good as a jog. This suggests sexual activity may potentially be considered significant exercise.
This explains singer Miguel's lyrics about "coffee in the morning" being a metaphor for morning sex.
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