Why does music make s-x so much better?
And you KNOW I made you a special playlist for tonight, too.
Hey babe,
Do you have a specific playlist or song that you turn to when you’re looking to get yourself in the mood? Everywhere you look, experts will tell you to put on some “sexy music” to get your sensual fires going.
But the question is: Why? Are there real, tangible reasons why we enjoy music during sex?
It turns out that there are many science-backed, legitimate reasons why the combination of sex and music is so thoroughly entrenched in our social fabric. In a 2011 study, Morten Kringelbach, a professor of neuroscience at the Department of Psychiatry at Oxford University, and colleagues, described how music can awaken the same pleasure-seeking parts of the brain that are stimulated by sex.
Most of us know the stuff that gets us going - especially when it comes to music. We each have unique erotic footprints, but most of us respond to music in a sexual way.
Here is everything you need to know about how music impacts our brains and bodies to create a perfect storm of sexual desire. Rock ’n’ roll to get your rocks off, mate.
Why Music Makes Us All Hot and Bothered
Our very complex (and very cool) brains are designed for auditory processing. A significant part of the human brain is devoted to the intake and comprehension of language. Why? Because it takes a ton of brainpower to process sounds and turn them into comprehensible words.
During sexual arousal, it’s not just the genitals that are online. Sexual audio cues are taken in by the brain and processed into positive sexual messages. These are interpreted as a signal that we are turned on and should become physically aroused.
Research shows that common erogenous zones like the nipples, feet, and neck are sexually responsive due to the sensory cortex in the brain. Through a complex network of nerve endings, the brain and body shoot messages back and forth through the body’s messenger system: the spinal cord.
When you hear sexual-sounding music, this is what happens: A signal is sent to the brain, letting it know you’re to begin the sexual arousal process. The brain registers these sounds as a response to sexual stimulation. It then sends a corresponding signal to the genitals. Thus, sexual arousal can occur (or increase). Research shows that experiencing other people’s arousal often elevates one’s arousal. And sex music often contains lots of whispering, moaning, yelling, and other very sexy noises.
Feel-Good Hormones Are Released When We Hear a Good Banger
Feel-good hormones flood the brain and body both when we hear our favorite music and when we’re experiencing sexual pleasure. Music can relieve stress by activating the brain’s reward system ( the same thing that happens with orgasm, btw). All of these things are necessary for setting up the right, sexually enhanced context for good sex.
Music is to sex what cream is to an Oreo.
What’s more, when we hear sexy music, sounds, etc. during sexual play, we begin to breathe more rapidly, which activates the central nervous system, a key player in sexual arousal.
A White-Hot Playlist to Get You Started
With the help of my amazing taste, some choice experts, and my sex-positive community, I curated a special, sexy playlist just for you. Who better to create your spark than someone whose job it is to be a sex expert, eh?
The Erotic Energy playlist on Spotify features songs from Billie Eilish, Lana Del Rey, Ginuwine, Floetry, and more. While this can be a fun place to kick off, don’t be afraid to make your own playlist. As we know, everyone is different and different music tastes are a normal part of being a person.
Different strokes for different folks. Get after it, pals.
This week’s mantras:
I deserve to have amazing orgasms.
I deserve pleasure the way I enjoy it.
I will love myself.
I love you. Have a great week!
XOXO Auntie Gigi
Part of this newsletter originally appeared on TheBody.
~Good ReadsSsSssSsSs~
If you’ve ever wanted to try KINK in the bedroom, I wrote a truly amazing (if I do say myself), intensive guide to bringing BDSM into your life in just 30 days. It’s full of my best advice. Download the free PDF here. - MEN’S HEALTH
Romantic sex is something that actually takes being attuned and a bit of effort. There are lots of things you can do to make sex romantic. For instance, eye gazing aids in pair-bonding and makes you feel closer and the right environment goes a long way. Is it really that simple? Read more. - MIND BODY GREEN
Breaking down old stereotypes can be hard. When it comes to gender roles, it has a special brand of issues. But, some men actually prefer being in relationships that are female-lead. Yeah, we’re talking cock cadges, submission, and all that good shit. Read more. - INSIDEHOOK
This intense, but very necessary piece about being pregnant and on anti-depressants was a very good read. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, somewhere between 14% and 23% of women will struggle with symptoms of depression during pregnancy. We need to be talking more about this. Read more. - GLAMOUR
That’s it for me this week, pals. I love you. Your butt looks so good today! You deserve all the compliments and love. Stay sexy.
