Better sleep, lower blood pressure, and less stress following sex: Findings from a large-scale ecological momentary assessment study.

Abstract

Previous cross-sectional studies have shown that more (vs. less) sexually active individuals tend to be mentally and physically healthier, but little is known about the proximal mechanisms underlying such associations. We analyzed two experience sampling data sets (N = 8,452, 66,181 observations; 72% male, age M = 46.42, 76% White) to examine changes in sleep, cardiovascular responses, and affect in the morning following sex, putative processes implicated in long-term mental and physical health benefits of sex. Consistent with previous findings, our results showed significant between-person associations, suggesting more positive daily health outcomes for more sexually active individuals. Further, we found significant within-person associations suggesting that when people reported having (vs. not having) sex the previous night, they experienced better sleep quality, fewer sleep disturbances and shorter wake after sleep onset, lower blood pressure, less stress, more positive affect, and better coping in the morning. None of these associations were moderated by gender or relationship status. Our findings provide novel evidence suggesting short-term psychological and physiological benefits of sex, which may accrue to create better health over time. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).