The 48hr ‘afterglow’ that bonds us closer after sex

SEX gives couples an ‘afterglow’ that lasts up to two days and helps them to bond more closely, research has found.

A study of newlyweds found the warm feelings between lovers remained for up to 48 hours, strengthening their relationship however long they’d been together.

The findings by US psychologists show intimacy in the bedroom bonds couples together more than was previously believed.

Dr Andrea Meltzer, of Florida State University, said: ‘Our research shows sexual satisfaction remains elevated 48 hours after sex.

‘And people with a stronger sexual afterglow – that is, people who report a higher level of sexual satis- faction 48 hours after sex – report higher levels of relationship satisfaction several months later.’

The link was revealed in an analysis of two independent studies and was published in Psychological Science. Overall participants’ marital satisfaction declined between the beginning of the study and a followup session four to six months later.

But those who reported relatively high levels of sexual afterglow seemed to fare better relative to their peers. Researchers say the findings suggest sex is linked with relationship quality over time through the lingering effects of sexual satisfaction.