Fancy a passionate smooch under the covers tonight?
Not unless the bedroom has been decorated, claims a recent study, as it discovered that women find a re-decorated room just as pleasurable than sex.
According to a neurological study by Dulux and the Mindlab International Laboratory at Sussex University, a revamped bedroom gives women the same emotional buzz as a lingering kiss or passionate encounter under the sheets.
Researchers measured the immediate emotive responses from a range of mood enhancing experiences including driving a fast car, kissing and making love.
After gauging the physiological arousal responses from the 19 participants (12 were female), a newly decorated bedroom stirred the same emotional reaction as an intimate encounter with their partner and gave the volunteers a bigger boost than being with friends, shopping, riding a roller coaster and watching their football team win.
In women in particular, even chocolate didn’t stir up the same excitement as a beautifully decorated boudoir.
So what makes a decorated bedroom so sexy?
Psychologist Dr. David Lewis who conducted the research, explains: “Behaviour is largely driven by subconscious emotions which, for the most part, we are unaware of.
This means that simply asking people what makes them happy is insufficient if we want to develop a greater understanding of what factors encourage a positive emotional state.
“It may surprise some people to realise that a newly re-decorated room can have such an impact on emotions, however our environment plays a big role in the mood. Think of how you feel on a warm sunny day in comparison to a grey winter morning. Our homes are the same – a beautifully decorated room can significantly enhance your mood.”
Surprise Health Benefits Of Sex
Health Benefits Of Sex(01 of06)
Open Image ModalBesides being fun and pleasurable, sex also offers many health boosts many of us take for granted.Take a look at these surprise benefits of having regular sex... (credit:Alamy)
Sex... Wards Off Illness(02 of06)
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Open Image ModalIt doesn't take an expert to connect an energetic love making session with burning calories. Just thirty minutes of action under the sheets burns off around 85 calories. After 42 half-hour sessions, you could burn 3,570 calories, which is the equivalent of 1lb in weight. By having sex three times a week for a year, you could burn off the equivalent of 5lbs a year. Who needs a diet?! (credit:Alamy)
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Open Image ModalDuring sex, a hormone called oxytocin is released when the body climaxes, which increases the level of endorphins that acts like natural a pain relief. This causes the body to relax. Many notice their aches and pains, like swelling, inflammation, headaches and menstrual cramps, disappear after sex and gradually improve with regular action. (credit:Alamy)
Sex... Helps Beat Depression(05 of06)
Open Image ModalWomen who have regular orgasms are generally more relaxed, less depressed and mentally, physically and emotionally satisfied. Regular sex also helps the body sleep better as it relieves tension plus it helps the brain produce serotonin - the chemical that gives the body a 'mood' lift and is commonly found in antidepressants. (credit:Alamy)
Sex.. Keeps You Young(06 of06)
Open Image ModalRegular sex releases a surge of plethora chemicals into the body, also known as the 'happy hormones', and they contain testosterone. As we age, the level of testosterone decreases, so the more sex you have, the more your hormone levels increases. This surge of hormone help keep bones and muscles healthy - plus it keeps skin looking plump and youthful.In women, regular sex also helps keep the pelvic floor muscles healthy, which decreases the chances of not-so-sexy incontinence later in life. (credit:Alamy)