​Masturbating Before Bed Can Lead To Better Night’s Sleep, Expert Says

There are many things we all try in a bid to nod off easily, whether it's avoiding caffeine after midday or rubbing a special spot behind our ear.

But one doctor believes there might be an even simpler solution for those who find it hard to get to sleep at night - saying all you need is a bit of self-love. Literally.

Yep, according to GP and author Dr Jeff Foster, orgasming can have a sedating effect on our bodies, which is perfect for when we need to wind down after a long day.

Speaking to Glamour, Foster said: "Masturbation is the same as sexual intercourse, and therefore, the differentiation between the two is only significant in terms of that fact that other people may or may not be involved in the process.

"From a sleep perspective, your brain does not care if you had sex with someone or by yourself."

Explaining more about the science behind the idea, he added: "Sexual activity, usually that which results in orgasm, causes a release of multiple hormones, including dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and prolactin."

Foster said that, while there are other biochemical changes at play, but these hormones can help alter someone's mood - in turn helping promote feelings of relaxation, thought clarity and contentment.

"Sexual activity can also result in a calming or even sedating effect," he explained, which is why we often feel sleepy after climaxing.

"This is also deliberate, and is designed to allow our bodies to recover from the recent physical exertion of sexual activity or masturbation."

We've always been told it's the journey that matters more than the destination, but apparently with this idea the only thing that's important is the orgasm - meaning it's completely down to you how you want to get there.

"Obviously there are additional psychological or social factors that will contribute to post-masturbation sleep, such as particular sexual preferences or preferred practices, or even if you have a partner or not," Foster said.

"But these are all about individual lifestyle choices and preferences. They do not alter the core physiology of sex."

If you're still not convinced, you can always try out what's called the '4-7-8' method, which is also known as 'relaxing breath'.

Dr Andrew Weil, a specialist in integrative medicine at the University of Arizona, believes people can fall asleep in just one minute using this technique, explaining: "You try to keep your tongue in the yogic position, touching the tip of the tongue to the ridge of tissue behind your upper front teeth.

"You breathe in quietly through your nose to a count of four and you hold your breath for a count of seven, and then blow air out forcefully through your mouth.

"It helps if you purse your lips out, and you make a 'whoosh' sound when you do that."

Weil recommends repeating this routine for four breath cycles, saying it's a great way to help you get to sleep easily - not least because it's 'time and cost effective' and requires no equipment.

Or, you know, any furious masturbating.