While it might seem like the only difference between morning sex, afternoon sex, and evening sex is the time of day, it turns out, there’s actually a lot that causes afternoon sex to be so unique. “Daytime sex can actually change the way it feels, looks, sounds, and tastes,” says sexologist Goody Howard, MSW, MPH, resident sex educator for body-care and sexual-hygiene company Royal. And of course, all those sensations are integral to the way your body perceives and responds to the sexual act. If variety is the spice of life, changing up the specific time you have sex could be the key to better sexual well-being and sexual health. If you’re someone who usually only has night or morning sex, consider this your sign to try scheduling in some afternoon sex ASAP.

“Daytime sex can actually change the way it feels, looks, sounds, and tastes.” —Goody Howard, MSW, MPH, resident sex educator for body-care and sexual-hygiene company Royal

To learn more about the benefits of afternoon sex, as well as tips for encouraging more midday passion, we spoke to the experts to get their insight on the topic. Read on for more about afternoon sex.

What is a nooner?

A “nooner” is another term for an afternoon sex session. You might also hear of the term “afternoon delight” being used as a cheeky name for afternoon sex. Either way, both terms are just nicknames for having sex in the afternoon, midday, or during lunchtime.

9 benefits of afternoon sex

1. It can make the rest of your day better

“People sometimes like night time sex because it helps them to fall asleep, but sex can also be a great way to recharge and approach the rest of the day refreshed,” says AASECT-certified sex educator Suzannah Weiss, resident sexologist for Fleshy and author of the upcoming book Subjectified. By having sex in the afternoon, “you can use the endorphins you’ve just released to power up the rest of your day with a boost in mood and increased mental clarity,” Weiss adds.

2. There’s no rush

If you schedule things so that you’re having a bit of afternoon delight on a weekend day with nothing to do afterward, you can spend more time on foreplay, intimacy, and sex, Weiss suggests. “Many people can experience more pleasure when they can relax and know they’re not on the clock,” she adds.

Weiss also adds that you can take your time during afternoon sex by doing things like “getting in the bath together, giving each other massages, kissing, and caressing each other all over before moving to genital touch.” Another bonus of afternoon sex? “You can even go for multiple rounds if you’re both up for it. Or, take a break, then do it again in the evening.” Weiss adds.

3. You could have more energy

“If you usually have cuddly night time sex, you might find that you have more energy in the daytime, which can lead to trying new things and exploring new sensations,” says sex educator Searah Deysach, owner of feminist sex shop Early to Bed. Plus, there’s just something kinkier about the middle of the day. Lean into your new sexual energy by trying new positions, toys, or incorporating things like sexual massage.

Weiss agrees, adding that “having sex at a time like the afternoon when you have more energy can allow you to be more upbeat and creative. You may feel more inclined toward trying new positions or kinks, and you’ll bring your best game,” she says. And P.S., if you’re looking for more tips for having sex when you’re tired (hi, night time sex people), we’ve got you.

4. You can be more vocal

“Perhaps not having kids or roommates around in the middle of the day also gives you more freedom to make noise or try out louder activities, too.” says Deysach. So, go ahead and moan to your heart’s content, use your loudest vibrator, and let loose.

5. You might be able to connect with your partner better

…Or at least, enjoy their body more thanks to the added stimulation of being able to see them in the sunlight. “If you’re having partnered sex, being able to see your partner in broad daylight can be a game-changer, as we often underestimate how important it is to be able to see pleasure happening,” says Howard.

6. You might find it more novel and exciting

For those predisposed to afternoon sex, getting turned on midday can also speak to an interest in sexual novelty—or, engaging in a sexual act that skews a bit outside the general norm. “Novelty happens to be one of the best tools for creating an environment for intense turn-on,” says somatic sex educator Kiana Reeves, chief brand educator at Foria. “Breaking routines and habits sets new neural pathways, so the brain perks up, and your entire body pays attention to the moment.” she adds.

7. You might find it hotter when you’re in a rush

For the people who find quickies super hot, afternoon sex can have the same appeal if you’re trying to get in a sneaky sex session during you and your partner’s WFH lunch hour. “We become more focused on what feels good when we know the clock is ticking,” says Howard. “The adrenaline is like a booster shot for sexual function and the arousal cycle, too.”

That said, if you’re someone for whom it takes some time to get fully aroused or to climax, you may want to focus on sex acts that can be accomplished more quickly, like digital sex or mutual masturbation, says Deysach.

8. It can help reset your day

“Midday sex can provide a great reset to the day,” Howard says, adding that “The hormones released at orgasm can support a renewed ‘pep in your step,’ as well as provide focus, clarity, and an energy boost.”

9. It can help you feel less stressed

Sex is a great stress reliever, Deysach says, so getting it on in the middle of the afternoon can help relieve workday tension, and set you up for a more productive afternoon. Work-life balance, anyone?

Tips for having afternoon sex

So, you’re totally convinced by the benefits of afternoon sex. Now how do you actually pull it off? Here are a few tips from Weiss.

1. Build up the anticipation by making an event of it

Weiss recommends putting your afternoon ahem, date, in your calendar. This way, you and your partner can text each other about what you’re looking forward to doing to each other. “This builds up anticipation and can help you both to relax in the bedroom, knowing that you’ve blocked out this time just for each other,” Weiss explains.

2. Bring in some accessories

For those who are fitting in their afternoon sex on their lunch hour or otherwise planning for a quickie, Weiss suggests using sex toys “as they help to speed up the process along and take off some of the pressure to turn each other on and get each other off in a limited time frame,”

For partners with penises, Weiss recommends the Fleshy Pro or another vibrator or male sex toy, and for partners with vulvas, Weiss recommends holding a vibrator over their clitoris, or even using a wearable vibe for a hands-free approach.

3. Schedule a date afterwards

“There’s nothing like going out to a nice dinner with your partner in the afterglow of the bonding and uplifting effects of good sex,” Weiss says. Give yourself a few hours of buffer time so you can “shower off together, get ready together so that you look as sexy as you feel, and then go out,” Weiss recommends. “The oxytocin and serotonin you’ve released will help you appreciate each other’s company, connect, and open up to each other,” she adds.