Question:
My husband and I have a wonderful sex life, but right after we have intercourse he almost immediately falls asleep. I, on the other hand, could go another round, go for a jog, clean the house. I’m so full of energy. It doesn’t matter what time of day or night it is. Why does sex always knock him out while it gives me this super energy boost?
Answer:
Many women out there would give their right arm for an answer to this one. Therefore, here goes. One or more of the following reasons usually account for why a man falls into a post-coital stupor:
- They are tired to begin with, and sex helps them relax and let go — figuratively and literally.
- The hormones men and women produce at orgasm namely Oxytocin and the natural opiate Beta-Endorphins can lead to the desire to lie back in the afterglow, and that sense of physical peace often leads to sleep.
- The ejaculatory release for men, and the inherent letting down of bodily tension, makes men physically tired.
- Most people (again, men and women) hold their breath during sex, breathe shallowly or do not focus on breathing. There is a possibility that he is not breathing deeply. That gives him oxygen deprivation, which causes sleepiness. In addition, it could (rare, though) persist into the next day.
Here is my explanation about his post coital stupor. He is probably fatigued before sex and all of those sensations — including orgasm — just propel him into the state for which his body is yearning: rest.
In rare cases, men who are exhausted by sex may have a medical condition. If you suspect something more serious, make sure your husband sees his doctor for a complete physical.