Summary

Experts suggest that the best time for sex varies due to individual biological rhythms and personal preferences, with potential benefits at different times of the day.

Abstract

The article explores the concept of optimal timing for sexual activity, noting that peak moments of arousal are influenced by the body's circadian rhythm, which affects hormone levels, body temperature, and other physiological factors. While morning hours are often cited as ideal for men due to high testosterone levels, women may not experience the same hormonal peak. Instead, women might find the afternoon, particularly around 3 PM, to be a more favorable time due to higher levels of estrogen and cortisol. However, nighttime can also be advantageous for sexual activity, as it allows for increased emotional presence, focus on partner satisfaction, and can aid in sleep due to the release of hormones like prolactin and melatonin. The article emphasizes that while there is scientific evidence supporting various times for sex, individual preferences and psychological factors play a significant role. Ultimately, the best time for sex may be when individuals feel most inclined, regardless of the time of day, and that open communication about desires is crucial for sexual satisfaction.

Opinions

Clinical psychologist and sleep expert Michael J. Breus suggests that morning is the best time for sex for most people, based on human chronotypes outlined in his book "The Power of When."
Hormone expert Alisa Vitti advocates for afternoon sex, especially at 3 PM, as it aligns with peak hormone levels for both men and women, potentially enhancing emotional connection and satisfaction.
Sex therapist Shannon Chavez introduces the idea of sexual conditioning, which posits that positive experiences at a certain time of day can create a stronger arousal response in the future, often leading to a preference for nighttime sex.
The article acknowledges that the research on the best time for sex does not fully address the diversity of gender identities, age-related hormonal changes, or the effects of medications like antidepressants and birth control.
It is also highlighted that spontaneous sex, which

Best Time of Day for Sex, According to Experts

Turns out, there’s no straightforward answer

3 p.m. hits and my cat roars to life. It’s like clock-work.

It also happens to be the time when I need a much-needed break from work, desire a sugary treat, and need to clear my head. When does my boyfriend want to…clear his head? At 11 PM.

I’m more than happy to oblige though I can tell it takes a little longer for my body to react.

Many of us have heard that the peak hours of arousal are morning when we all wake up with bedhead. I dated a guy who would love to give me a pleasurable poke every morning. But if I were to chart out the time of day when I’ve had the most sex in my life, after dark would be the clear winner.

What gives? The differences in sexual arousal had me wondering, is there a scientific basis for when is the best time to get it on? And what accounts for the variability?

Turns out, there’s evidence for getting busy during all hours of the day. Hurray!

However, it varies for same-sex female, same-sex male, and heterosexual relationships. Here’s the science behind it.

Morning

Throughout the day, our bodies experience fluctuations in body temperature, hormone levels, blood flow, and gut bacteria.

The body’s 24-hour circadian rhythm not only dictates when we are tired when we can get the best workout when we are hungry but also when we feel the greatest desire for sex.

For men, testosterone levels are at their peak between 6–9 A.M, with some men experiencing up to 50% more of the hormone.

Women, on the other hand, experience the lowest levels of testosterone in the morning. However, their levels don’t fluctuate much on a daily basis, more on a monthly basis. For pre-menopausal women, estrogen and testosterone levels continue to increase leading to the peak during ovulation.

Clinical psychologist and sleep expert, Michael J. Breus, generally agree that morning is the best time for sex. He wrote a whole book on the topic, titled Power of When.

In his book, he categorizes humans under 4 chronotypes — lions, bears, wolves, and dolphins — where everyone but the dolphin’s optimal time for pleasure is in the AM. You can see for yourself what your inner beast is.

Regardless of your spirit animal, one bonus to morning sex? A boosted immune system. According to Debby Herbenick, a sex researcher and professor, we experience increased levels of IgA, an antibody that can protect us against infection throughout the day.

Afternoon

According to Alisa Vitti, hormone expert, and author of Womancode, the best time of day for sex for heterosexual and female same-sex couples is 3 PM. Both sexes experience higher levels of estrogen, the bonding hormone, and women experience surges in cortisol, which helps boost alertness and energy.

“While this may not seem like a logical set-up for satisfaction, given the previous endorsement of testosterone, the combination actually makes men more emotionally present during sex and better able to focus on a woman’s needs and satisfaction,” Vitti says.

Night

Let’s not forget the night owls, the dancing queens, and the late-night hook-ups.

Shannon Chavez, a clinical psychologist, and sex therapist introduces the concept of sexual conditioning. According to Chavez, “positive sexual experiences that happened at night, or in the morning, or in a certain environment, will create a stronger arousal response in the future.”

Sexual conditioning works similar to the positive reward response system — we are conditioned to crave sex at night because we’ve come to associate it with pleasure.

Another case for the nightcap? Post-sex, both sexes see an increase in prolactin, melatonin, and vasopressin promoting sleepiness.

While all these differences account for physiological differences, one additional factor to take into consideration is psychological. Night may also be when we experience the clearest mind, not distracted by work, kids, or the day ahead, leading to more mindful sex.

What the research fails to take into account, is the various gender identities, and potential hormonal impacts of age and drugs like depression, anxiety, menopause, and birth control. It also fails to take into account that spontaneous sex can sometimes lead to the greatest level of satisfaction, regardless of the time of the day.

Maybe the conclusion is that somethings don’t need to be optimized.

Maybe, we should just stick to listening to our urges, no matter what time day they come in and not be afraid to share our desires, even if they differ.

Worst case, you compromise and have wild middle of the night sex. Or take out your favorite toy for a little self-pleasure.

In the middle of the night, in my dreams You should see the things we do, baby. In the middle of the night in my dreams I know I’m gonna be with you So I take my time Are you ready for it?

— Taylor Swift, Ready for it