Sleep expert warns: evening sex before bed is not the biologically best option

Renowned psychologist and sleep expert Dr Michael Breus warns that having sex just before going to bed – typically between 10:30 pm and 11:30 pm – is biologically one of the worst times of day. Most couples choose this time slot without realizing it may affect both sleep and sexual life quality.

Most couples consider intimacy in the bedroom a given just before falling asleep, typically between 10:30 pm and 11:30 pm. However, renowned psychologist and sleep expert Dr Michael Breus argues that biologically speaking, this is actually one of the worst times of day for sex.

According to Breus, the human body is already preparing for sleep at this time of evening – body temperature drops, hormone levels shift, and energy is at its lowest point of the day. This means that just when couples typically seek intimacy, the body is physiologically least prepared for it.

However, not all the news is bad. The expert also has a very positive message: research shows that sexual intercourse actually helps improve sleep and sleep quality, as hormones released during orgasm – such as oxytocin and prolactin – have calming and sleep-promoting effects.

Breus recommends couples consider moving intimate time to earlier in the evening, for instance around 8 pm to 9 pm, when the body is more energetic and hormone levels are more favorable. This way, couples can better enjoy both the intimacy itself and the sleep that follows.