9 Reasons Couples Should Have More Sex

5. It helps you sleep better. The oxytocin that is released during orgasm also promotes sleep—which may explain why your guy goes from 60 to zero in about five seconds after a romp.

6. It relieves stress and reduces depression. You may not feel like getting down and dirty after a difficult day at work, but sex can actually help reduce stress. Studies have shown that after having sex with a partner (as opposed to masturbating), women had lower levels of stress hormone cortisol, lower blood pressure and reported being in a better mood. One study even found that women who were exposed to semen were less depressed than those who used condoms. (Though we do NOT recommend skipping the condom—an unwanted pregnancy or an STD would zap those good feelings pretty quickly.) The Condom Commandments

7. It improves your sense of smell. After you orgasm, your body produces prolactin, a hormone that makes you feel sexually satisfied. But prolactin also activates the olfactory bulb, the part of the brain that controls your sense of smell—the association between being sexually satisfied and breathing in the scent of your partner may increase your partner bond. Morning Breath: A Turn-On?

8. It makes you look younger. Sex raises your estrogen levels, which makes your hair shiny and your skin glow. In fact, regular sex may actually slow aging, according to researcher David Weeks, author of Secrets Of The Superyoung. In his study, people who had sex with their partners (casual sex or cheating doesn't work!) three or more times a week looked 7 to 12 years younger than their actual ages.

9. Regular periods. A Stanford University study found that women who have weekly sex have more regular cycles than women who have less frequent sex. This benefit comes from intimacy, as well as regular sex.

What health or other benefits have you noticed after having sex?