Expert reveals best time to have sex depending on your age

Whether you love a lie in or you're up at the break of day, it might be that you prefer intimacy at a different time.

It turns out that your age has a big say in when the best time to be getting it on is.

As we age, hormone levels fluctuate, as does the amount of free time and levels of desire.

Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule and just because you're one age doesn't mean you can't prefer a late-night liaison, or maybe you prefer to start the day with a smile.

According to recent research, most people are intimate late at night (61 percent), with early evening the second most popular time for sex with a partner (14 percent).

Gender can also make a difference, with men apparently preferring the early hours of 6 and 9am, with women preferring between 11pm and 2am.

Research has found there's an ideal time to have sex based on your age (Getty Stock)

Solo fun tends to be more popular in the morning for 16 percent of respondents, compared to 10 percent at night.

The research from Lovehoney has figured out the optimum time we should be having sex based on your age.

Age 20-30

For many people, their twenties are the peak time for experimenting.

According to the survey the average Brit loses their virginity at the age of 17, but it's from 20 to 30 that people have the most sex and also - crucially - figure out what they like.

Mike Kocsis is a hormone health expert, and described the levels in your 20s as 'robust'.

Unsurprisingly, fertility is also at its peak here too.

"You have a higher libido, especially around ovulation, and you have more energy and emotional response to intimacy," Mike explains.

Don't be surprised if you're suddenly an early bird after years of midday wake-ups in your teens, as your hormones will make you more likely to want morning sex.

Quickies are often popular during this age too, with passion taking over.

Your 20s for many are a time for freedom and spontaneity, so really the answer is whenever you can or feel like it! Taking hormonal contraception can reduce testosterone levels though, so don't be worried if your libido is reduced because of that, but do speak to a GP if you have any concerns.

Your age can have a big say on intimacy levels (Getty Stock Images)

Age 30-40

In your thirties, you might find you have to synchronise your calendars in order to make time to get raunchy.

Sure, that doesn't sound the sexiest, but it's a decade where you probably have more responsibilities.

Whether that's looking after small children, making your way up the career ladder or buying a house, stress can be at an all-time high.

Having to schedule sex might not be as fun as spontaneity but it can be key to keeping romance alive.

Many women find they hit their peak too in terms of desire.

Mike says stress can increase prolactin levels and decrease dopamine, but making the effort can make your sex life ‘deeper and more emotionally satisfying.’

"Sex can become less driven by hormonal spikes and more by trust, connection, and oxytocin-driven bonding," he says.

"Fluctuations in oestrogen and testosterone can make sex drive less predictable, but stronger body awareness and emotional depth can lead to more satisfaction."

Age 40-50

After you hit 40, you might have more free time as work stress hopefully eases, and your kids might be teenagers.

Don't be surprised if things start to be a bit more spontaneous.

Morning sex is back on the menu, or simply whenever you can - whether that's a bit of afternoon delight in a lunch break, or a long weekend away.

Many women find they are more confident and know what they want, however the menopause can cause big problems.

It usually starts between 45 and 55, and can impact desire, reducing libido and causing vaginal dryness.

Mike said this can make women feel like asking for what they want, saying you might ‘feel less willing for unfulfilling sex, encouraging better self-awareness and communication with partners'.

It's about taking your time.

Which decade are you in and when is best for you? (Getty Stock Images)

Age 50-60

Hormone levels continue to drop, for both oestrogen and testosterone.

Another hormone comes to the fore, with Mike saying ‘oxytocin becomes more important than ever for intimacy'.

It's the definition of quality over quantity, with the intimacy and affection being key.

There may well be sensual lunchtime liaisons, or plenty of intimate contact that isn't sexual, like cuddling and stroking.

Morning and midday is best in terms of energy levels too.

As we age, we tend to start to go to bed earlier, and many people feel more awake after sex so you may want to prioritise it earlier in the day.

Many people also rise much earlier than they used to in the morning, too.

Physically you may be dealing with temperature changes, vaginal dryness, and erections not doing what they used to.

Making the most of when you feel like it is key.

Age 60+

These can be your golden years for intimacy and taking time for yourselves.

Whether you've got the house to yourselves again, retired, or planning dream holidays, this is the perfect time to be closer to one another.

Many people cringe at the thought of older intimacy, but this is far from the truth.

Desire doesn't wane, and these decades are the ideal time to put pleasure first, after all, by now you definitely know what you like.

Mike says this time of life can be a ‘phase of sexuality that’s richer and more intentional than ever.’

Slowing down is key, and any time of day works. Many people enjoy a mid-morning cuddle that turns into more.