TODAY is National Sex Day - and in celebration of the annual event, it's been revealed how long sex should last.

Online sex toy retailer Lovehoney conducted a survey to find out the ideal amount of time most people would like to spend between the sheets.

3 The magic number is 30 - but on average, couples fall short by 11 minutes Credit: Getty Images

After the results were averaged, 30 minutes was declared the optimum length of time.

The survey of 4,400 people revealed that half of couples (52%) are happy with that duration but sex is over too soon for 23 per cent of men and 15 per cent of women.

It also showed that many settle for quickies, failing to make time for a proper intimate session 21 per cent of the time.

Typically sex for most couples lasts for 19 minutes, broken down by ten minutes of foreplay and nine minutes of intercourse.

3 It typically takes women longer to reach orgasm than men Credit: Alamy

The dream 30-minute time might be a source of frustration for some couples though.

Last year, sex researchers Masters and Johnson revealed that men orgasm a lot quicker than women.

Despite this, the Lovehoney study showed that almost 90% of couples have achieved a shared orgasms at some point in their relationship.

More on Sex COME AGAIN? Why couples love tantric sex - and how some can orgasm for up to 18 hours PERFECT KISS Body language pro reveals the best way to pucker up for a sensational smacker A QUICKY TIP Sex expert claims that women can seduce any man in just an HOUR PLEASURE ZONE What is the best sex position to make a woman orgasm?

Lovehoney have launched a Mind The Gap campaign to promote ways that women in particular can achieve more orgasms during sex.

Sexpert Jess Wilde said: “It is fantastic news that almost 90% of couples have achieved shared orgasms at some point in their relationship.

“For around half of couples this is the absolute peak of sexual happiness, so we are always looking at ways to help them share orgasms together with greater consistency.

"For women, the key to orgasming easily is to have a strong and healthy pelvic floor, and there are simple exercises they can do to strengthen the muscles in this area."

3 Lovehoney have revealed their best tips for prolonging the time you get jiggy Credit: Alamy

She added: “Men can play their part during intercourse by making sure they hit exactly the right spot to stimulate the G-Spot during penetration - this is at 27-degrees and sex pillows can help to get you both into the optimum pose for pleasure.”

Want to last longer in the bedroom?

Here are three ways to prolong your intimate sessions, according to a sex therapist.