Most have heard the saying that counting sheep helps you sleep.

But now a German health insurer has aroused attention by claiming masturbation is the cure for sleepless nights.

Barmer Krankenkasse said in a Facebook post that people who struggle to doze off should try the practice and suggested using a sex toy.

Barmer Krankenkasse said in a Facebook post (pictured) that people who struggle to doze off should try the practice and suggested using a sex toy

HOW CAN MASTURBATING HELP YOU SLEEP? Little research has been conducted to examine the benefits of masturbation. But experts say it can combat depression, stress and even help you relax. Psychologist Dr Becky Spelman, based in London, said endorphins secreted by the body during climax calm you down. Writing for The Conversation, two other researchers at the University of Sydney said self-pleasuring can ward off a host of illnesses. These include cystitis and diabetes, while insomnia can be reduced through the release of hormones and tension, the pair said. The release of tension is said to be the same way that yoga and meditation can improve sleep. Dr Spelman, a relationship expert for We-Vibe, said masturbation can have physical benefits, too. In older women, it can maintain vaginal health and prevent vaginal atrophy - which often strikes at that stage in life. Advertisement

The post, which was next to a picture of a green vibrator, read: 'For pulsating nights... Masturbation helps you fall asleep.

'If you can't sleep again, just put your hand on yourself or get a toy to it, then sleep comes all by itself.'

Daniel Freudenreich, a spokesman for Barmer, said the post was real.

He added to Spiegel: 'There are still topics that are often kept secret, even though they concern the vast majority of people.'

Mr Freudenreich said the company had wanted to talk about the tabooed topic in a lighthearted way.

The advert was published on Thursday and went viral as more than 5,000 people commented and liked it.

One customer replied: 'A good health insurance with very good care and help for everything else I have my husband.'

A male user put: 'Very cool advertisement. I have been thinking about switching for a long time, maybe that was the decisive argument, who knows.'

And one woman wrote: 'Thanks, now I can sleep like a baby.'

But in a blow for some customers, the company said it would not be helping to fund sex toys for its members.

It said: 'Only the health tip comes from us.'

Barmer has 9.2million members across the world and is the second largest health insurer in Germany behind Techniker Krankenkasse.