When it comes to SEXwe all have our preferences on when we like to take down and dirty.
Some of us may prefer to hook up with our partners right when we’re in bed for the night, while others may favor a spontaneous session in the middle of the afternoon. Of course, provided our housemates are out.
Then, there’s the ever-divisive topic of morning sex. Some might argue that it’s the last thing we want to do when we’ve literally just opened our eyes; plus, if we haven’t had the chance I get out of bed and brush your teeth, then we will face the presence of the morning spirit.
Too normal? yes. Too sexy? Well, it depends on who you ask.
While some may say that is all but a flash, there are many people who admit to not only tolerating it, but loving it.
This was a topic of discussion on one of the most recent episodes of Subway Takes, as TikToker Jay Guapeo told host Kareem Rahma, “Sex in the morning is better than sex at night.” Kareem was “100%” in agreement.
He explained: ‘It’s about the morning spirit with the cover combination. Like, it just never fails, and you don’t have to do much.’
Kareem added that he likes a little morning breath, but admitted that he likes it ‘because I can be very lazy.’
When asked if he liked afternoon sex, Jay said: “I haven’t really tried that. Who has time?” Fair enough, to be honest.
So what’s behind this morning breath? subway talked to some experts to find out.
“Vulnerability is the key to connection”
Jay and Kareem aren’t the only ones hot about it.
On Reddit, @ryalways2663 previously wrote: ‘Everyone says morning sex and kisses are unpleasant because of morning breath, but I’ve always smelled like my ex. Something about this morning drew me to them so much and I was always ready to kiss like that.’
‘I don’t mind kissing without washing. It’s not disgusting to me,” someone else agreed, while another commenter wrote: “If I’m feeling passionate enough to roll over and find someone I want to kiss deeply, I don’t complain or worry about morning breath.
The rough edges form part of the added excitement.
@bergamot-sundae added: ‘He can’t scare me with a little dragon breath. We’re human, we can’t always be perfect 24/7.’
Susie Mastersonsays a BACP registered psychotherapist and relationship coach subway that in the psychology of sex, the connections we can make between the two are incredibly important and can end up influencing what we do and don’t like in the bedroom.
She explains: “Our sensory experiences play a huge role in our associations of arousal, intimacy, connection and connection. Think scented candles, massage oils, champagne and strawberries.
“While breathing is not considered a pheromone — our body’s chemical responses to proximity (are) well-documented as required for mating — our connections to them have a similar effect. Pheromones trigger a behavioral response; one of them is signaling that we’re ready for sex.’
Essentially, smell can get us going because our brains are associating it with something, and Susie says it’s much the same as morning breath.
“Common associations with morning breath are about safety and familiarity. Before we get up and present ourselves to the outside world, we’re in a vulnerable and more natural state,” she says.
“It signals that there’s something special about engaging in this. He says, ‘I trust you to experience me in this state.’
“Vulnerability is the key to connection, and morning breath may just be a way to quietly connect with someone on a subconscious level.”
“People generally have more energy”
Annabelle KnightLovehoney’s sex and relationship expert, adds that when we feel really comfortable with someone, not only can we start to smell their scent, but we ‘start to associate the scent with them in the morning and therefore start to nurture a positive response to it’.
So it’s less about finding the general concept of morning breath appealing, and more about the connection we make with our partner’s specific smell.
As for the ‘thorny’ issue of morning sexAnnabelle notes that, in the year 2025, a The Lovehoney Study found that 62% of the nation admitted to enjoying morning sex. 28% even describe it as their favorite time of day for it.
“There are many reasons why this may be the case, the first being comfort. Many couples may have different routines at night and see the bedroom as a place only for rest,” she shares.
“You’ll also find that people generally have more energy in the morning, and starting the day with a real bang is also a great way to wake yourself up.
Not convinced by the concept of a little morning breath, but want to reap the benefits of a morning shag? Annabelle advises keeping a few mints or perhaps a small mouthwash on your bedside table.
She adds: ‘Be smart about positions; use spoon position, doggy style, or reverse cowgirl to avoid face-to-face.
“Like any time of day, morning sex will benefit from extended foreplay, so using your hands to explore your partner’s body is best, taking advantage of your sleeping positions in bed to do so.
