# Why one in five French people masturbate to sleep

> New research shows masturbation improves sleep quality, not just sexual pleasure.
- Title: Why one in five French people masturbate to sleep | Shortify
- Summary: New research shows masturbation improves sleep quality, not just sexual pleasure. Masturbation can improve sleep continuity and efficiency through hormonal…
- Keywords: masturbation, sleep quality, sexual health, france, research study, orgasm, sleep science, central queensland university, hormones, stress relief, sleep efficiency, one
- Source: Psychologies — https://psychologies.com/couple/sexualite-couple/masturbation/1-Francais-sur-5-se-masturbe-aussi-pour-une-raison-qui-na-rien-a-voir-avec-le-plaisir-sexuel-640631
- Author: Laurena Valette
- Published: 2026-09-17T18:02:45+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: masturbation, sleep quality, sexual health, france, research study, orgasm, sleep science, central queensland university, hormones, stress relief, sleep efficiency
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Masturbation can improve sleep continuity and efficiency through hormonal changes that promote relaxation, making it a legitimate sleep aid for some people.