If you’ve ever sat down to cuddle after some incredible sex only to have your partner fall asleep, you know how frustrating it can be. But it’s not their fault — and there’s a scientific reason why.
The act of sex releases many hormones, including oxytocin and prolactin, which lead to feelings of relaxation and drowsiness. Plus, sexual activity can be quite physically exhausting.
1. You’re overexerted
Feeling spent after sex is totally normal, especially if you are engaging in more vigorous activity between the sheets. Vigorous movements require a lot of energy, and if you’re doing things like lifting or moving your partner this can also be very tiring.
If you’re feeling sleepy after sex, it’s likely because your body has produced post-orgasm chemicals that make you feel relaxed and tired. This is because the release of oxytocin during orgasm causes your muscles to relax, which can lead to drowsiness.
Men are more susceptible to this type of sleepiness because of the release of oxytocin and prolactin, both of which can induce drowsiness. For this reason, it’s common for men to fall asleep after sex.
If you’re feeling exhausted after sex, try to do some light exercises before sleeping. This will help to boost your energy levels. Also, drinking water can help to hydrate your body and replenish the fluids lost during sexual activity. Finally, reducing the amount of stress in your life can also help to combat fatigue. By making these simple changes, you’ll find that you are less tired after sex.
2. You’re stressed
Depending on the amount of stress you’re under, sexual activity can either make you feel great or completely exhausted. This is because sex releases hormones like oxytocin, endorphins and dopamine, all of which are known to induce feelings of relaxation and sleepiness. Moreover, orgasm causes the body to release serotonin, vasopressin and nitric oxide, all of which promote sleep.
Lastly, the physical exertion of sex can leave you feeling tired because it requires an immense amount of energy from the body. Plus, many people experience an emotional drain after sex because they are forced to put their guard down and show intimate parts of themselves.
Ultimately, you need to take control of your stress and find a way to relax after sex so you don’t feel so drained the next day. And if you need to nap, that’s OK too! Just be sure to wake up at a reasonable time so you can get a full night of rest. Sign up here to get INSIDER’s best stories straight to your inbox! It’s free! And we’ll never share your email address.
3. You’ve had too much alcohol
Whether you watch romantic movies or not, you’ve likely seen this common caricature: the man collaps into pillows on a bed in blissful sleep after climax, while his partner is wide awake and twiddling her thumbs. While this scene may irk your partner, don’t take it to heart—there could be real biological reasons for postcoital fatigue.
If you have consumed alcohol, you might feel sleepy after sex because alcohol can suppress rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. It can also make you go to the bathroom more frequently, which disrupts your sleep cycle and leaves you feeling tired.
Even if you didn’t drink, you can still find yourself feeling drowsy after sex because of the natural chemicals that are released during sexual activity. During orgasms, for example, oxytocin is released and numbs the brain. Plus, ejaculation is linked to feelings of sexual satisfaction in men, and prolactin is associated with fatigue in women.
4. You’re dehydrated
Sex is a physically demanding act and, in many cases, can drain your energy. So it’s no surprise that some people feel tired after sex and want to curl up with their partner for some key cuddling time.
It’s also important to remember that sex releases sleep-inducing hormones, and the brain pretty much shuts off after an orgasm (hence why the French call it la petite mort, or “the little death”). That makes it all the more important to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
While it’s normal to feel drained after sex, if you’re consistently feeling this way, it’s best to consult with your doctor. There could be a medical reason why you’re so exhausted, and simple changes in your diet and lifestyle can help remedy the problem. You may even find that sex is more exciting when you’re not so drained!
5. You’re iron deficient
If you’re suffering from a low libido, fatigue, or erectile dysfunction, it could be a sign that your body is deficient in iron. Fortunately, this is one of the easiest things to fix!
According to an article by MindBodyGreen, a lack of iron can cause a number of different health problems, including low sex drive. The reason for this is that iron is essential for creating red blood cells, which provide the body with energy.
During sex, your body requires lots of oxygen to perform its best. This is why it’s important to eat a healthy diet that includes both non-heme and heme iron.
If you’re serious about improving your sex life, it’s a good idea to start taking an iron supplement. It’s easy to add this to your daily routine, and it can make a huge difference in the quality of your sex life! It may even help you get an erection. Try adding it to your routine today and see what happens! It’s not only a great way to improve your sex life, but it will also make you feel more energized and ready for bed at night!
