1/12/11
Dr. Kate, I Fall Asleep After Orgasms…and I’m a Woman!

photo via Flickr

Dr. Kate is an OB/GYN at one of the largest teaching hospitals in New York City and she answers your medical questions every few weeks on EMandLO.com. To ask her your own question, click here.

Dear Dr. Kate,

I sleep so much better after an orgasm! Sometimes when I’m having trouble sleeping I whip out my vibe and I just pass right out after I finish. Why is this and is it alright that I use orgasms as a sleep-aid?

— Sleep Easy

Dear S.E.,

It’s a stereotype that only men want to pass out after orgasming – climax makes many people a little sleepy. Those muscle contractions aren’t just in your vagina – many women feel their orgasm through their pelvis and legs as well, and feel like they’ve had a work-out after they climax. In addition to the physical exertion that comes from an orgasm, there’s the mind-blowing that clears out much of the brain debris from the day. I think personally you’ve found a great way to relax enough to fall asleep at night. Much better to get yourself off than to get yourself habituated to sleeping pills.However, there are some people who have trouble reaching their orgasm. Fortunately, there are alternatives to help them fall asleep during the night and get a good night’s sleep. For instance, some people find that using a gaba supplement could be an effective way of promoting a restful night’s sleep. It all depends on what works for you.

— Dr. Kate
Gynotalk
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Dr. Kate is an OB/GYN at one of the largest teaching hospitals in New York City. She also lectures nationally on women’s health issues and conducts research on reproductive health. She generously shares her medical wisdom with EM & LO readers every few weeks. Check out more of her advice and ask her a question at Gynotalk.com.