One in five French use masturbation for sleep

While 51% of French people masturbate for sexual pleasure, 18% say they do it specifically to fall asleep, and 21% use it to reduce stress.

“18 % disent y avoir recours pour faciliter leur endormissement”

Australian study tracks sleep objectively

Researchers at Central Queensland University monitored 14 people over 11 nights, measuring sleep with portable polysomnography after masturbation, partnered sex, or no sexual activity.

Masturbation improves sleep continuity

After masturbation or partnered sex, participants woke up less during the night and had better sleep efficiency, meaning they spent more of their bed time actually sleeping.

“après une masturbation, comme après un rapport sexuel avec leur partenaire, les participants se réveillaient moins longtemps au cours de la nuit”

Hormones explain the relaxation effect

Orgasm triggers hormonal shifts including increased oxytocin and prolactin while stress hormone cortisol decreases, creating a physiological state that promotes relaxation.

Masturbation as a sleep ritual

For some people, evening masturbation functions like any other wind-down routine, helping the body transition from daily stress to rest without replacing core sleep habits.