Check out a few of the surprising perks you can reap from great sex.
| Less Stress |
If you're freaking out about tomorrow's job interview, slip between the sheets.
Research from the University of the West of Scotland reveals that people
who had intercourse at least once over two weeks were better able to
manage stressful situations such as public speaking, says study author
and psychology professor Stuart Brody, Ph.D.
That's because endorphins and oxytocin are released during sex, and
these feel-good hormones activate pleasure centers in the brain that
create feelings of intimacy and relaxation and help stave off anxiety
and depression, says WH advisor Laura Berman, Ph.D., an assistant
clinical professor of ob-gyn and psychiatry at the Feinberg School of
Medicine at Northwestern University and author of "It's Not Him, It's
You!"
You don't have to climax to net the effects, but you'll get the biggest
surge of soothing hormones if you have an orgasm. Just one more reason
to shoot for a stellar finish!
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| Sounder Sleep |
It's downright dreamy how an O can lull you to sleep. That's because the
same endorphins that help you de-stress can also relax your mind and
body, priming you for slumber, says Cindy M. Meston, Ph.D., director of
the Sexual Psychophysiology Laboratory at the University of Texas at
Austin and coauthor of Why Women Have Sex. Plus, during orgasm, the
hormone prolactin is released.
"Prolactin levels are naturally higher when we sleep, which suggests a strong relationship between the two," she says.
But if you're wild in the sack, take note: Highly active sex can make
you feel more energized than sleepy. Sex should never be a snooze, but
if you want to use knocking boots as a sleep aid, skip the acrobatics
and opt for a subdued session.
15 Tricks to Sleep Better
Hidden Health Benefits of Sex
| Minimized Pain |
Talk about flipping the script: "Yes, tonight, honey—I have a headache."
The surge of hormones released after an orgasm can help ease any
annoying ache, whether it's a strained back or a head pounder, says
Meston.
A study conducted at the Headache Clinic at Southern Illinois University
found that half of female migraine sufferers reported relief after
climaxing.
"The endorphins that are released during an orgasm closely resemble morphine, and they effectively relieve pain," says Meston.
Have a migraine but your man isn't around? Self-medicate by treating
yourself with some solo sex. As long as you hit your peak, masturbating
will have the same soothing effect.
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| Fewer Colds |
There's nothing sexy about sneezing, wheezing, or that runny-nose look.
But getting hot and bothered can help you avoid coming down with the
sniffles.
People who have sex were found to have higher levels of an antibody
called immunoglobulin A (IgA), according to researchers at Wilkes
University in Pennsylvania. These antibodies help combat diseases and
keep the body safe from colds and flu. Save up your sick days and use
them as sex days!
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| A Youthful Glow |
Get busy to get gorgeous.
In a study conducted at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital in Scotland, a
panel of judges viewed participants through a one-way mirror and guessed
their ages. Those who were enjoying lots of nooky with a steady
partner—four times a week, on average—were perceived to be seven to 12
years younger than their actual age.
Regular sex promotes the release of hormones, including testosterone and
estrogen, which can keep the body looking young and vital; estrogen has
also been shown to promote soft skin and shiny hair, says Meston. Move
over, moisturizer—time to turn back the clock with some shagging.
Look Younger Longer
| Lighter Periods (With Fewer Cramps) |
"When a woman orgasms, her uterus contracts and, in the process, rids
the body of cramp-causing compounds," explains Meston. The increased
number of uterine contractions can also help expel blood and tissue more
quickly, helping to end your period faster, she adds.
Going horizontal while menstruating has also been shown to help decrease
the risk for endometriosis, a common condition in which uterine tissue
grows outside of the uterus, causing pelvic pain and sex that hurts,
according to researchers at Yale University School of Medicine.
Sex during your period may not sound too appealing, but don't stress
over making a mess. Just lay down a dark-colored towel and stick to
missionary; when you're lying down, your flow tends to be lighter, says
WH advisor Michelle Callahan, Ph.D., author of Ms. Typed: Stop
Sabotaging Your Relationships and Find Dating Success.
9 Surefire Ways to Beat PMS
| A More Toned Bod |
Sex counts as cardio! A romp can burn anywhere from 85 to 250 calories,
depending on the length of the session (obviously a quickie will be less
strenuous than an all-night pleasurefest), says Meston. In fact,
cardiologists consider sexual activity comparable to a modest workout on
a treadmill, according to a study published in The American Journal of
Cardiology.
Not only will your ticker get a workout, but you'll also squeeze in some
sculpting: "Your abs and the muscles in your back, butt, and thighs get
a good workout as you thrust during sex," says Hutcherson. Looks like
you have a pretty good reason to skip spin class on Sunday morning and
work up a sweat in bed.
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