Ask any college student: Mornings can be rough. It can be daunting to hear the alarm go off and think of all the things that have to get done that day. While getting frisky first thing in the morning might not be the first thing on your mind, setting the alarm a few minutes early and having a little extra time in the sack can be a complement to a balanced breakfast.
There is considerable scientific evidence to suggest that sunrise sex can get you off on the right foot for the day, as both males and females are at peak levels of testosterone in the morning. For non-science types like myself, that means it’s peak arousal the for both of you. While it may take a little time to shake the sleepiness, things can be more intense than in the evening when you’ve both had a long day and don’t have the chemical boost working in your favor. Not a morning person? You’ll probably be well awake by the time you’re done with your morning romp. Furthermore, the endorphin rush that follows will leave you feeling relaxed and with more energy for the day ahead. Sex also leaves you looking healthy and more attractive, so you can start your day with an extra boost of confidence. These are only a few of the reasons to begin your day by doing the deed.
You do not have to let logistical concerns get in the way of a little morning session. Let’s be honest; you were going to hit the snooze button anyway. Spend those extra few minutes doing something that will leave you in a good mood for the rest of the day. Think about it — would you rather stumble to your morning class, or stumble to your morning class after having sex? The choice is clear. If you are stressed about all the things you have to accomplish that day, you will be calmer and better able to handle it all after a little intimacy.
There are a few considerations to keep in mind. First, regular morning sex generally goes hand in hand with steady relationships. You have to be waking up next to the same person pretty regularly. If you are generally in a “hit it and quit it” situation, this is not something you will get to experience often. It’s a trade-off. Second, one of you will generally wake up first. You need to be considerate of the fact that your partner may not immediately be on the same page as you. You do not want to be in a situation where your potential morning romp turns into one of you feeling physically or emotionally hurt. Take a little time to warm up.
Morning sex does not just feel great; it also helps to build your relationship. It is a great way to start the day feeling close to your partner. There is something pretty fantastic about that moment of mutual acknowledgement that you’re both headed to school or work in a very good mood. If you both have to get out the door, you can send each other off feeling excellent. If you have the morning to yourselves, you will not feel as though you have wasted the day if you spend it in bed together.
Some people are morning people, and some people are not. Believe me, though, everybody can stand to have more morning sex in their lives. Set the alarm a little early and start your day in the best possible way. It might just make your 9 a.m. biology lecture more tolerable.
Cate M is a Behind Closed Doors columnist who no longer dreads the alarm.
