Matt Dionne | Sports and Health Editor
Featured image: At-home distractions could be one cause of why North Americans are having less sex than they were 10 years ago. | Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
According to a recent study, Marvin Gaye may have been more right than he thought when it comes to sexual healing.
A robust sex life has been linked to several health benefits, including a stronger heart, a slimmer waist and a decrease in the risk of developing prostate and breast cancer.
The benefits aren’t limited to the physical variety, either. A satisfying sex life also has benefits on a person’s mental health; sex releases endorphins that can help prevent depression and improve a person’s mood, as well as reduce stress.
Though sex can provide many health benefits, studies indicate that North Americans are having less of it on an annual basis.
According to a study by Jean Twenge, a professor of psychology at San Diego State University, Americans are having sex nine times fewer per year than those from 10 years ago. That number is nearly double—16 times fewer—for couples who were married.
Twenge isn’t sure what’s causing the decline, but speculated people could be too busy to get busy.
According to Twenge, the plethora of potential at-home distractions in the form of devices and media streaming services could be more alluring than sex—putting a freeze on Netflix and chill.
Although people are having sex less frequently, the average adult is having sex approximately 54 times a year, while couples who are married or live together are having sex 51 times a year.
According to a recent study by Amy Muise, an assistant professor of psychology at York, having sex once a week is “optimal” to achieve maximum happiness.
Muise found that couples who have sex more frequently have a better sense of well-being.
“Sex is associated with feeling more satisfied in a relationship,” she said.
However, according to Muise’s study, the benefits of having sex once a week don’t increase for couples who engage in the activity multiple times a week.
A study from Carnegie Mellon University found that couples who find themselves having sex less frequently could benefit from scheduling time to be intimate.
“I still think that couples could benefit from a bit of outside encouragement to have more sex,” said George Loewenstein, psychology professor and author of a related study from Carnegie Mellon University.
“When a couple has been together for some time, the mere presence of the other person, even unclothed, ceases to be exciting or arousing,” he said.
This doesn’t mean couples can’t still enjoy their sex lives, they just might need to make more of an effort to do so, added Loewenstein.
Always rehiesfrng to hear a rational answer.