Endorphins, vasopressin, oxytocin, norepinephrine, and serotonin are some other hormones involved in an orgasm that can also put you right to sleep. As explained by sexologist Rebecca Alvarez Story (via Well+Good), while endorphins act as natural painkillers and make you feel more relaxed, vasopressin and oxytocin work against the stress hormones in your system.
High levels of stress hormones, specifically cortisol, happen to be linked with insomnia. High levels of stress hormones, specifically cortisol, happen to be linked with insomnia, and the oxytocin release that happens with sexual stimulation and a corresponding orgasm are known to reduce cortisol levels.
Oxytocin is commonly called the “cuddle chemical” or “love hormone” and often accompanies physical closeness with someone. An orgasm releases oxytocin too. According to a 2017 study published in the American Journal of Physiology, involving men and women with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), administering 40 international units (IU) of oxytocin significantly improved total sleep time and sleep quality. What about norepinephrine and serotonin? “[These] help your body get into a flow of REM sleep cycles to help you stay asleep,” Story added.
