Researchers claim having sex inspires spirituality and even belief in God.

According to the research, sex releases a ‘love hormone’ oxytocin not only promotes social bonding, altruism but also divinity – especially in men.

Researchers at Duke University, in North Carolina, say that sex could inspire a belief – or an increased belief – in God and religion.

The study published this week look at oxytocin a hormone which is often stimulated during sex, childbirth, and breastfeeding.
It also comes in medication form and is often used to help women in labour.

But in the study, men reported a greater sense of spirituality shortly after taking oxytocin and their feelings continued a week later.

According to a news website for the University, Duke Today, lead author Patty Van Cappellen, a social psychologist at the American University, said: ‘Spirituality and meditation have each been linked to health and well-being in previous research.

‘We were interested in understanding biological factors that may enhance those spiritual experiences.