Ways a Healthy Sex Life Can Support Your Mental Health

People have needs. When we don’t have our needs met our mental and physical health can suffer. When we think of fundamental human needs, we think of food, shelter and water. In addition to these basic needs is the necessity of having a healthy sex life. Many people desire to lead fulfilling and happy lives and sex not only occupies an important role in their pursuit but also supports mental health. Why? Because it has the ability to:
o Boost Serotonin

• Low serotonin can make it difficult to create and act on strategies. Moreover, if you have low levels of serotonin, you may experience yourself becoming easily agitated, feeling more down, and/or difficulty controlling your impulses. Sex boosts serotonin, which helps improve your mood. During an orgasm serotonin is secreted which reduces stress and anxiety.

o Boosts Self-Esteem

• The feelings of intimacy with your partner, as well as feeling nurtured and desired can boost your self-confidence.

o Improves Sleep

• As you may already know, it is very common to fall asleep after sex because the body releases prolactin. Prolactin is a hormone that helps you feel rested and relaxed. During an orgasm, the body releases oxytocin, a hormone that promotes sleep. Since a lack of sleep can negatively impact your mental

o Improves Mood

• Endorphins are one of the many chemicals released in the brain during sex. Endorphins are the neurotransmitters associated with feeling happiness, causing your mood to brighten and help decrease symptoms of depression.