(Photo Credits: Photoroyalty from Shutterstock)

Hey, guys! When it comes to sex, do you prefer the lights on or off—and more importantly, why or why not?

We’re asking because there’s some compelling science behind how lighting might actually impact your sex life. A study from the University of Siena in Italy suggests that bright light exposure could help improve sexual desire and performance—particularly for men struggling with low libido.

According to the study, published in the Psychiatry Research journal, researchers recruited 38 men diagnosed with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) or sexual arousal disorder, both of which are characterized by a lack of interest in sexual activity. Half of the men were exposed to a light box—similar to those used for seasonal affective disorder—for 30 minutes each morning over a two-week period. The other half received placebo treatment with a much dimmer light.

The results? After just two weeks, the men who received light therapy saw a significant boost in testosterone levels and reported greater sexual satisfaction—almost triple their baseline scores. Lead researcher Professor Andrea Fagiolini noted that light therapy could be a safe, non-invasive way to treat low sexual desire in men.

You can find more information about the study here.

So, if you’ve been feeling disconnected from your sex drive or stuck in a sexual rut, don’t overlook something as basic as lighting. Sunlight or even a bright artificial light source in the morning could actually be worth a try—particularly for men with low energy or mood.

Now, back to our original question: lights on or off during sex?

Personally, I think it depends on the mood. Sometimes it’s morning, and the sun’s doing all the work for you. Other times, it’s midnight, and I’m not about to pause a steamy moment just to hit a light switch. Realistically, when desire strikes, lighting isn’t always my first priority.

But if I do get to choose? I’ll go with dim lighting—not pitch-black, not clinical-bright. Just enough to catch his eyes, see the curve of a smile, and watch those facial expressions that make sex more than just physical. It’s romantic and intimate.

How about you? Are you team lights on, lights off, or somewhere in between? Share your stories, preferences, or funny lighting mishaps in the comments section down below—we’d love to hear from you!

5 2 votes
Article Rating