MORNING sex is one of the healthiest ways to start the day, doctors say.
Getting raunchy as soon as you wake up can have a host of health benefits, according to Dr Farzana Khan, of RegenLab.
GettyMorning sex is one of the healthiest ways to start the day, doctors say[/caption]
From boosting your memory, and immune system to relieving anxiety, a little intimacy after sunrise can go a long way.
Dr Khan said: “Generally speaking, sex is highly beneficial for cardiovascular health, mental health, and also relationship quality, but there’s much more to it than that.
“It has been proven to lower blood pressure, relieve stress and anxiety, and even help boost the immune system.”
Lower blood pressure
You are considered to have high blood pressure — known medically as hypertension — if your reading is 140/90mmHg or more when taken by a doctor.
The condition causes around 75,000 deaths a year and is known to affect at least one in three Brits.
It can increase your risks of heart disease, heart attacks and stroke, as well as aneurysms, kidney disease and dementia.
Morning sex is not only good for your blood pressure but can also have a host of other benefits to your heart, Dr Khan said.
She said: “Being sexually aroused increases the heart rate and peaks during the climax. Ultimately this is great for your cardiovascular system.
“Men, in particular, are known to see great benefits from sex, and studies show it can reduce the risk of heart disease, and even prostate cancer.”
Relieve stress
The healthy habit can also be a great boost to your mental health, relieving stress and anxiety.
Around 8million Brits live with anxiety disorders, according to Mental Health UK.
Data from Mind shows six per cent of Brits are diagnosed in any given week but fewer than half go on to access treatment.
Dr Khan said: “Stress can manifest in a number of different ways from headaches, insomnia to chronic depression and even sexual dysfunction.
“While stress is known to lower libido in both men and women, morning sex increases hormone activity, which in turn, helps to relieve stress.”
She added: “If you go by your body clock you will find that hormone levels, including testosterone and oestrogen are naturally much higher in both men and women first thing in the morning.
“Sex aids the release of ‘happy hormones’ like oxytocin and dopamine, and a surge in these hormones means you are much more likely to feel relaxed, and more cheerful throughout the day.”
Improve your memory
Getting down and dirty first thing in the morning can also have a beneficial effect on your memory, she said.
Previous research has shown couples that have sex at least a couple of times a week have better brain power than those who don’t.
Dr Khan said: “Morning sex helps to activate the brain, by giving it a sudden rush of hormones to the body.
“Studies show that those who have penetrative sex first thing in the morning have better memory recognition because of the increased hormone activity in the hippocampus, which is part of the brain responsible for learning and memory.”
Give your immune system a boost
Finally, spicing up your morning routine can also improve your immune system.
Having sex in the morning significantly increases the production of immunoglobulin (IgA) in your body, Dr Khan said.
The antibody plays a pivotal role in the immune function of mucous membranes, so higher levels of it “can help to warn off bacteria and illnesses”, she added.
She said: “Of course, looking after yourself is also very important when it comes to your immune system so ensure you are eating right, staying active, and getting enough sleep.
“This will also help with your libido.”