Having morning breath might actually be the key to better sex

Morning breath may not be the obvious starting point for better sex, but experts have explained why it could play a surprising role in intimacy.

The topic has been discussed after a recent episode of Subway Takes saw TikToker Jay Guapeo speak to host Kareem Rahma about why he believes morning sex is better than having sex at night.

The debate centred on the less glamorous side of waking up next to someone, including the fact that many people have not yet brushed their teeth or made themselves presentable for the day.

That would be enough to put some off entirely. For other people, however, it appears to be part of the appeal.

During the episode, shown on Instagram, Jay said, as reported by Metro: “Morning sex is better than sex at night.”

Kareem agreed with the claim, before Jay explained: “It’s something about, like, the morning breath with the bonnet combo. Like, it just never fails, and you don’t gotta do too much.”

Kareem added that he enjoys morning breath, saying it was ‘because I can just be so lazy.’

The conversation prompted a wider discussion around why some people are drawn to morning sex despite the usual concerns around breath, tiredness and not feeling at their freshest.

Some Reddit users have previously shared similar views, with one writing: “Everyone says morning sex and kisses are gross because of morning breath, but I always enjoyed the smell of my ex’s. Something about it in the morning made me so attracted to them and I was always ready to kiss like that.”

Another person admitted: “I don’t mind kissing without brushing. It’s not disgusting to me.”

A third added: “If I’m feeling passionate enough to roll over and find someone I want to deeply kiss, I’m not complaining or worried about morning breath.”

“The rough edges make up part of the heightened excitement.”

Susie Masterson, a BACP-registered psychotherapist and relationship coach, explained that sensory experiences can have a strong impact on arousal, intimacy and emotional connection.

She said: “Our sensory experiences play a huge part in our associations of arousal, intimacy, bonding and connection. Think scented candles, massage oils, champagne and strawberries.”

“While breath is not considered a pheromone – our bodies’ chemical responses to proximity [are] well-documented as required for mating – our associations with them have a similar effect. Pheromones trigger a behavioural response; one of them is signalling that we are ready for sex.”

According to Masterson, the appeal may be less about morning breath itself and more about what it represents between partners.

She continued: “Common associations with morning breath are around safety and familiarity. Before we get up and make ourselves presentable to the outside world, we are in a vulnerable and more natural state.”

“This signals that there is something special about being included in this. It says, ‘I trust you to experience me in this state.’

“Vulnerability is the key to connection, and morning breath might just be a way of silently connecting with someone on a subconscious level.”

Annabelle Knight, Lovehoney’s sex and relationship expert, also said a partner’s natural smell can become something people associate positively when they feel comfortable with them.

She explained that people can ‘begin to associate the smell with them in the morning, and therefore begin to nurture a positive response to it.’

This does fall in line with a previous a Lovehoney study, which found that men generally enjoy morning sex between 6am and 9am.

She said: “There are plenty of reasons as to why this might be the case, the first being convenience. Many couples might have different nighttime routines and view the bedroom as a place solely for resting.”

“You will also find that people generally have more energy in the morning, and starting the day with a literal bang is also a very good way to wake yourself up.”

For those who are not convinced by the breath element, Knight suggested keeping mints or a small mouthwash by the bed, as well as choosing sexual positions such as spooning, doggy style, or reverse cowgirl to avoid being face-to-face.