These sex positions will help you sleep better tonight, study finds

If you're struggling with insomnia, ditch the corkscrew and try an eagle instead. Photo credit: Getty.

It's fairly well known that regular sex has a whole host of health benefits including boosting your serotonin, lowering blood pressure and regulating your sleep. 

But according to a new study out of the UK, the position - or positions - engaged in during intercourse can actually impact how well you sleep afterwards. 

According to Metro, UK sleep blog The Dozy Owl examined the impact of different sex positions on REM sleep on over 1500 participants, asking them to wear a sleep monitor to bed after having sex in a designated position. 

Each participant then tried out 25 popular positions over a three month period to see which improved sleep the most. 

Classic doggy style turned out to be the most effective position for a great subsequent slumber, with participants seeing a 43 percent increase in REM sleep. 

The lotus position (39 percent), the eagle (35 percent) and the bridge (30 percent) all also increased REM significantly. 

But if you've been struggling with insomnia, avoid the corkscrew or a '69' before bed, as each was found to decrease REM sleep, by 26 percent and 22 percent respectively.  

Experts say REM sleep should make up just under a quarter of a person’s night sleep, during which it stimulates the parts of brain involved with memory and learning, and helps us to process emotions. 

 

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