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Pillow talk, specifically after sex, can greatly influence a relationship. Some studies have found that communication can improve a relationship. In a new study, researchers examined two factors that affect pillow talk, which were orgasms and alcohol. The team found that orgasms, not alcohol, improve pillow talk.

"Post-coital communication is likely linked to sexual and relationship satisfaction," said Amanda Denes, Assistant Professor at the University of Connecticut, and lead author of the study reported by Medical Xpress. "For this reason, pillow talk may play a pivotal role in maintaining intimacy."

According to the researchers, after people have experienced an orgasm, oxytocin is produced in the brain. Oxytocin, which is often dubbed the "pro-social" hormone, can increase people's sense of trust while reducing stress levels and perception of threat. Due to the release of this hormone after orgasms, the researchers found that people were more likely to engage in pillow talk. The researchers added that oxytocin encourages people to talk about important topics.

On the other hand, the researchers found that alcohol had a different effect on couples. When people mixed sex with alcohol, the researchers found that people were less likely to share intimate information with their partners. The pillow talk consisted mostly of mundane topics. The researchers reported that when alcohol was combined with the failure of having an orgasm, people were more likely to have negative conversations.

"Oxytocin is an 'upper' and alcohol is a 'downer,' so it's not surprising that they have opposite effects on behavior," said co-author of the study, Tamara Afifi, Professor at the University of Iowa. "People who drink more alcohol on average perceive fewer benefits to disclosing information to their partners."

The study, "Pillow Talk and Cognitive Decision-making Processes: Exploring the Influence of Orgasm and Alcohol on Communication after Sexual Activity," was published in the latest edition of Communication Monographs.