By Almara Abgarian
We’re celebrating the power of the orgasm today.
Whether experiencing one by yourself or with a partner, reaching climax has some significant benefits (besides giving you a deliciously tingly feeling).
By getting a release of endorphins on a regular basis, you could improve your physical and mental health, as well as form a closer bond with yourself or your partner.
Bear in mind that not everyone can or wants to orgasm, and that’s perfectly OK, but here are some reasons why the big O is so great.
You will sleep better
Ever notice how you feel drowsy after you climax?
It’s not just because of the exercise you’ve just given your body (or hand), but at the point of orgasm your body releases various chemicals including oxytocin and serotonin (the happy hormones), as well as norepinephrine, vasopressin and prolactin.
These chemicals work together to make you feel relaxed, which in turn could help you drift off at night and have a deeper sleep.
‘…during climax, the body releases prolactin, along with many other chemicals,’ Dr Diana Gall, from the online doctor service Doctor 4 U, tells Metro.co.uk.
‘Prolactin has been proven to be involved with making you feel relaxed and tired, which should help you drift off to sleep more easily.
‘In addition to this, oestrogen levels in women are increased during and just after orgasm. This hormone helps to enhance the REM cycle, meaning that a deeper sleep is more likely.’
You will feel less stressed
Having an orgasm can do wonders for the mind.
You have oxytocin to thank for this one, too. When the chemical is released in the hypothalamus part of the brain, it send signals that makes you feel calmer, warmer and generally just a bit happier.
‘Oxytocin is the same hormone that’s associated with mother and baby bonding, whilst dopamine is partly responsible for regulating emotional responses, as well as contributing to feelings of pleasure,’ said Dr Gall.
‘This cocktail of hormones can help people to feel more relaxed and in a state of mental wellness.’
If you have difficulty reaching orgasm or don’t fancy it, there’s always the option of going for a run before bed, as some studies find this can reduce feelings of anxiety and stress, which will improve your sleeping patterns.
It could help with pain management
Certain studies have found that reaching climax can lessen pain symptoms.
A study from the University of Munster in Germany in 2013 revealed that having an orgasm during sex helped with migraines and cluster or tension headaches.
Out of the participants, 60% of those who suffer from migraines and one third of those who suffer from cluster headaches said getting themselves off during sex improved their pain levels.
While the study didn’t cover masturbation, researchers drew conclusions that it’s likely the effect would be the same in this scenario.
However, some migraine sufferers (33%) said having sex/orgasms made their symptoms worse, so it won’t work for everyone.
Your heart will thank you
‘Orgasms aren’t just good fun for you and your partner, they can actually be good for your health, good news for anyone who’s having them regularly!,’ Shamir Patel, pharmacist & founder of Chemist 4 U, tells Metro.co.uk.
‘For example, when you have sex your heart rate typically gets higher, and its average beats per minute can increase even further when you orgasm.
‘Raising your heart rate is good for your heart, and when you orgasm it can reach rates that are similar to when you’re doing light exercise, like a brisk walk.’
Having orgasms on your own could improve your sex life
Having alone time is very healthy, regardless if you have an orgasm or not.
By exploring what you like and how you like it, you’ll be able to communicate this to your lover.
Plus, it’s really fun.
Your skin will glow
This one is more likely if you’re having sex, rather than masturbating.
‘Medically, your blood flow is increased during sex and orgasm, meaning that there’s more oxygen pumping around your body,’ said Dr Gall.
‘This increased blood flow is also responsible for the flushed skin many people experience during and after sex.
‘As well as this, the increased oxygen flow can stimulate the production of collagen – a protein that’s known to be great for the skin. As orgasms can also promote better sleep and decreased stress levels, these may also help to improve your skin.’
It could improve your relationships
Having an orgasm with someone else can make people feel very vulnerable.
Showing this level of trust during sex or through mutual masturbation with your partner can bring you closer together. There’s also the satisfaction in making a partner orgasm or watching as they do, knowing they’re revealing that private part of themselves.
But that’s not the only relationship to focus on.
Getting up close and personal with yourself can also make you feel more confident, and in tune with your body and mind.
Go forth and orgasm.