More Than Just Desire, 5 Benefits Of Sex For Mental Health

Illustration of husband and wife (Photo: Freepik/nutthaseth-v)

JAKARTA - Although often seen as mere physical activity, sex actually has far deeper benefits, including for mental health.

Not only strengthening emotional relationships with partners, sex also plays an important role in maintaining psychological balance, easing stress, and increasing happiness.

Here are 5 benefits of sex for mental health that must be known, as reported by the Science Daily page.

1. Growing Prosperous Taste

Regular sex can actually contribute to improving the welfare of life, especially in the elderly. This was proven in a study conducted by the University of Coventry and Oxford, which involved 73 people aged between 50 and 83 years.

Research published in The Journals of Gerontology, Series B: Psychological and Social Sciences, shows there is a relationship between sexual activity and increased cognitive function and emotional well-being.

People often think that the elderly are no longer sexually active, but this view needs to be changed. Sexual activity turns out to have a positive impact on brain health and their quality of life," said Dr. Hayley Wright of Coventry University 's Center for Research in Psychology.

2. Relaxing Depression Symptoms

Although not a substitute for medical treatment, sexual activity can help relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety temporarily. When having sex, the body releases hormones such as dopamine, endorphins, and natural compound oxytosinc that play a role in creating feelings of pleasure, increasing affection, and strengthening emotional ties with partners.

Not only that, cortisol levels, the main hormones that cause stress, also tend to decrease after sex. This means that the more often a person makes love, the lower the stress level tends.

3. Help Sleep More Nyenyak

If you have difficulty sleeping, sex can be an effective natural solution. Hormones released during sex, especially after orgasm, such as prolacticine, provide a calming effect that makes it easier for the body to rest.

Enough sleep is very important to maintain mental and emotional stability. In addition, good quality sleep also makes the mood more stable and the body feels fitter.

4. Increase Self-confidence

A healthy sexual life can increase self-esteem and self-confidence. When a person feels loved, desired, and emotionally connected to his partner, there is also stronger self-confidence towards oneself and relationships.

In contrast, lack of intimacy can have a negative impact on feelings of self-worth and overall emotional well-being.

5. Make Life Happy

Sex can trigger the release of neurotransmitters that provide euphoric and complacency effects. In some cases, even the chemical component in manifold water is said to be able to affect the mood of the couple.

A study published in Psychological Science in March 2017 showed that newlyweds who recorded their sexual activity for two weeks felt happier up to 48 hours after having sex. That is, the emotional benefits of sex are not only felt instantly, but also last longer.