The best time of day to have sex might just surprise you

We weren't expecting this

Words by Megan C. Hills and Frederica Palmer

Let’s talk about sex, baby. While science has already told us how many times a week we should actually be having sex, our hormones are piping up now to shout about which time we should be engaging in coitus. Apparently, it boils down to when our oestrogen levels have peaked and it’s much earlier than you think it is.

Alisa Vitti, a hormone expert and the author behind WomanCode, explained that 3pm is the best time to get hot and heavy as that’s when men have the highest levels of oestrogen in their body. It’s because their testosterone levels kick up their feet a little, while their oestrogen levels rise. She explained according to Metro that it means that they’re ‘more emotionally present’ during sex.

(If you’re not shacking up with a dude, you might want to shelve this one though.)

Although 3pm might work if you’re listening to your hormone clock, a study by Forza Supplements had other thoughts. They monitored the body clocks of 1,000 people who live healthy and active lifestyles in order to find out the best time of day to have sex.

What did they discover? Well, apparently having sex at exactly seven thirty in the morning will bring a whole host of positive health benefits. Although controversially it's not the most popular time for couples to have sex, so you and your other half may want to start switching up your routine.

The study found that people's energy levels are at the highest first thing in the morning, which means your stamina is also likely to be better (result). Another perk? Sex is better than going to the gym, which means you can spend some extra time in bed in the morning and still get a good workout.

As well as all of this, the endorphins released during sex will also result in a more positive day and likely lead to a 'sex afterglow' that can last for up to 48 hours!

Speaking about the findings, Managing Director Lee Smith said: 'What we set out to do was to find out the absolute optimum times to work, rest and play.

While no two people are the same, these were found to be the very best times for the average person to do the key activities which make for a healthy and happy life.'

He added, 'Making small adjustments to your routine can really help you to lose weight, get fitter, be more effective at work and even a better lover.'

As well as finding out the optimum time for couples to have sex, the study also discovered that the best time of day to wake up is 6:45am, 7am is the best time to go for a run, 6pm is the best time to eat dinner and 6:10pm is the best time to have an alcoholic drink.

Not that we're living by the clock or anything.