Why People Start Losing It When Their Sex Life Takes a Dive

Have you ever felt like a freak because you haven’t had sex in a while? You’re not alone. The sexual afterglow is a phenomenon that has been studied by psychologists, sociologists and anthropologists for decades. It’s basically the feeling of euphoria that people have after having an orgasm or being intimate with their partner. A new study says that this period usually lasts for up to 48 hours and is crucial to happy sex life.

Why the “Afterglow” Is Important For Your Sex Life

Researchers have studied sex and its benefits for many, many years. Recently, researchers from Florida State University studied the importance of a healthy sex life in relationship satisfaction. They found that the sexual afterglow is crucial to couple bonding, but that it lasts just a maximum of 48 hours afterwards. This is why it is important that couples have regular sex in order to feel connected to one another. (1)

The reason why it’s called “afterglow” is because it can last anywhere from one hour up to 48 hours after having sex. And not just any kind of sex—the kind where you’re really connecting with your partner on an emotional level (or even just having fun!). It’s important for couples to understand what the sexual afterglow is and why it matters so much when it comes to bonding as a unit.

“Our research shows that sexual satisfaction remains elevated 48 hours after sex,” says psychological scientist Andrea Meltzer (Florida State University), lead author on the study. “And people with a stronger sexual afterglow — that is, people who report a higher level of sexual satisfaction 48 hours after sex — report higher levels of relationship satisfaction several months later.” (2)

Your Sex Life Is Important For Your Relationship

When you have sex, it’s not just your body that feels good; your brain does too. Sex stimulates the production of endorphins—natural chemicals in the brain which help to alleviate pain and stress. This is why many people feel happier after sex than before having it! But what most people don’t realize is that this effect can last for up to 48 hours.

“This research is important because it joins other research suggesting that sex functions to keep couples pair bonded,” said Meltzer.

The reason for this is that sex stimulates the production of oxytocin, a hormone which promotes feelings of trust and attachment. In fact, researchers have found that people who have more sex experience stronger feelings of love and affection towards their partners than those who have less frequent sex.

Why Is The Sexual Afterglow So Important for Partner Bonding?

One reason why your sex life as a couple is so important, is because it bonds you together both physically and emotionally. Because sexual afterglow is a state of relaxation and being in the moment, it can also be used to help you connect with your partner in a more meaningful way. The afterglow reinforces feelings of love and affection towards one another. Therefore, sex may function as an investment in the relationship.

What Happens When Couples Stop Having Sex?

If couples stop having sex, the afterglow doesn’t have a chance to happen. This results in lower levels of bonding between partners and can lead to feelings of resentment and disconnection. This can be especially problematic if one partner has a higher sex drive than the other. If a couple stops having sex, it’s like turning off the lights in their relationship.

How To Give Your Sex Life A Boost

If you’re feeling like you and your partner are in a sexual rut, there are things you can do to break out of it. The first step is to get in touch with your feelings and talk about what’s going on. It may seem obvious, but this will help open up communication between the two of you.

You can also try to get out of the house and do something fun together. This will give you time away from work and other stressors that may be preventing you from feeling like having sex. Going on a date night or weekend getaway can really help rekindle your romantic relationship as well as your sexual one.

If you’re still feeling stuck, it might be time to try something new. This can be as simple as trying out a new position or going somewhere different for sex. If you’ve been with the same person for years, it can feel like things are getting old and boring. By adding something new into your routine, you’ll both feel more excited about having sex again.

The Bottom Line

Your sex life is an important part of your health and happiness. It is also important for your relationship satisfaction. All of that said, the amount of sex a couple has is entirely up to them. Sex is more important for some couples than it is for others. It is up to you and your partner to determine how often you have sex. Make sure you communicate your needs with your partner and being willing to listen to theirs. From there, you can determine what works well for you as a couple so that your sex life, and relationship, will continue to thrive.

Keep Reading: Sex in Weird Places: A Couple Once Shagged in an MRI Machine, all in the name of Science