Does sunshine make you hornier? Sexperts weigh in on the impacts of Vitamin D

Does sunshine make you hornier, or is a summer state of mind to blame for all that playful activity?

We're about to enter the friskiest time of the year, so we couldn't help but wonder how Vitamin D makes an impact on our sex drive. As it turns out, the nutrient does have an effect on libido, so if there was ever a time to have a look at the best summer sex positions, consider this a sign.  

"It’s not just a myth—women’s sex drives really do increase during the summer," says Natasha Marie Narkiewicz, head of communications at Mysteryvibe. "Vitamin D helps regulate the sex hormones estrogen and testosterone, which are essential for healthy sexual functioning and sex drive."

If your interest is piqued, lather up the SPF for a day at the beach. Here's everything you need to know. 

Natasha Marie Narkiewicz

Natasha Marie Narkiewicz is making technology less nebulous and sexuality more accessible by dismantling taboos one word at a time. Motivated by the belief that pleasure is a fundamental human right, Natasha’s sex-positive work aspires to destigmatize sexual topics and provide education, awareness, and hope for those who might be struggling to navigate their journeys.

She is deeply embedded in the sex-tech industry through her involvement in Women of SexTech, Women of Wearables, Love & Sex with Robots and Sx Tech Eu. She has previously worked with leading sex-tech brands like Lora DiCarlo, Xbiz, Sexual Health Magazine, Rosy & Aurore.

Does sunshine make you hornier?

The rays of sunshine can in fact affect your sex drive, according to professionals, making the case for spending time outside (while taking the proper SPF precautions, of course). 

"Vitamin D is known to play a role in hormone regulation, and some studies suggest a correlation between low levels of vitamin D and decreased libido," says Kiana Reeves, chief content officer at Foria. "It might be easier to connect with your sex drive when it is warm outside because your body isn’t spending so much energy trying to stay warm."

According to a 2021 study from Tel Aviv University, UVB exposure increases circulating sex-steroid levels. And per 2012 research from Villanova University, sex-related Google searches peak in June, July, December and January. So yes, there's definitely an interest in sensual activities when the temperatures start to increase. 

Kiana Reeves

Kiana Reeves is a somatic sex educator, certified sexological bodyworker, pelvic health practitioner, certified doula and Foria's Chief Content Officer. 

With a lifelong passion for sexual wellness and plant-based medicine, Kiana has been practicing in the field of sexual wellness and female reproductive health for over 10 years. Her career began in birth work as a full spectrum doula, working with mothers and families during birth, postpartum, abortion, and miscarriage. Her background in pleasure, intimacy, and sexuality is informed by her work as a certified somatic sex educator, offering her clients hands-on experiences to connect with their bodies and their pleasure. 

Her commitment to promoting open dialogue ultimately led her to become a voice for Foria as Chief Content Officer. With a commitment to helping people feel more connected to their own sexual experiences and their bodies, Kiana harnesses her certifications and qualifications to help drive Foria’s content and brand education. 

Why do we feel hornier during the summer?

Yes, there's plenty of scientific-backed evidence for how the vitamin D circulates in our bodies come the warm-weather months, there are also other factors to take into consideration during this time of the year, according to sexperts.

"Firstly when we feel warmth, we are more likely to feel connected and intimate with those around us, which in turn increases our desire for sex as our psyche responds to intimacy and closeness," says Aruj Javid, LOOKFANTASTIC’s group pharmacist.

"We’ve all heard of SAD in the winter, so it’s no surprise that sunlight also increases serotonin levels. This can boost energy levels and mood massively, which leaves you feeling much more in the mood for some fun."

Plus, the energy over the summer changes, which in turn can lead us towards wanting more pleasure. 

"We usually associate summer with warmth, sun, skin, freedom, and play; all of the things that allow us to feel more connected to our bodies and freed up in our psyche for sensuality and connection," Reeves adds.

And with that mood and energy boost, we're likely to feel more confident, too, which sexologist Marla Renee Stewart believes can contribute to changes in our sexual behaviors.  

"Another reason might just be their sexual confidence. Accomplishments usually happen in the Spring (graduations, promotions, etc) and having an increased amount of serotonin and dopamine can contribute towards happiness, which translates into general confidence, which can also contribute to their over-sexual confidence," she says.

Convinced? If you're looking to make the most out of that Vitamin D intake, here's what the experts say about sex in pools. (Proceed cautiously with this one, folks!) 

Aruj Javid's

According to Aruj Javid's résumé, she is a "resourceful and results-oriented specialist prescribing pharmacist, with valuable experience in hospital, general practice and community pharmacy."