Fact: Sex and sleep are both essential components of your physical health and emotional well-being. Having a good relationship with both increases your overall life satisfaction, which comes as no surprise.
It is 100% noteworthy that the relationship between sex and sleep goes both manners.
The Bidirectional Relationship Between Sleep and Sex
Sex can contribute to better overall healthand, more specifically, orgasms can help you sleep betterAfter orgasm, the body releases hormones like oxytocin and prolactin, which induce pleasant and relaxing sensations, triggering drowsiness and making it easier to fall asleep. Sex also reduces levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, which is always a happiness factor. Note: if sex is not an option, masturbation surely is!
On another side, sleep for long periods has been associated with higher sexual desire and arousal. study shows that lack of sleep is linked to decreased desire and arousal in women. research shows that men who work schedules that disrupt sleep or who have sleep disorders (i.e., insomnia, sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, shift work disorder) may pose a higher risk of erectile dysfunctionSleep disturbances can also increase the likelihood of urinary problems and can make it harder to ejaculate (and maintain it). Not to mention, the depressive/anxious feelings that so often follow a period of poor sleep can lead to sexual dysfunction all on their own. After all, the brain is our most powerful sex organ, right?
So, now that you know that quality sleep is essential to maintaining a quality sex life, and that in turn, a quality sex life can improve the quality of your sleep, the question is: how do you make sure you (and your partner, if applicable) are getting what you need?
How much sleep do you need to stay sexual?
Most adults need seven to nine hours of sleep Get enough sleep each night to feel well rested. In addition to being linked to sexual health, adequate sleep also affects your mood, energy levels, and countless other aspects of life that can in one way or another affect your sex life.
While short term sleep deprivation While lack of sleep is associated with increased sexual arousal, it doesn’t actually increase your chances of having sex with your partner. In fact, over time, lack of sleep can decrease both desire and arousal.
And while sleeping longer can sometimes reduce wakefulness, those who sleep longer on a regular basis report higher levels of wakefulness overall than those who sleep shorter periods. And consider this: Getting just one extra hour of sleep per night increases your chances of being awake the next day by 14%.
How much sex do you need to stay rested?
A person’s sex life is affected by many different factors, from age to lifestyle, the health and natural libido of each partner, the quality of their relationship and of course the quality of their sleep, to name a few.
While there’s no single answer to the question, “How often is sex normal?” many therapists advise couples to have sex at least once a week. According to a study by Dr. David Schnarch, 26% of couples manage to do so once a week, with the majority of respondents reporting having sex only once or twice a month, or even less.
We may never know how many of these respondents were getting enough sleep. But given what we do know, TO DO Please note that it is reasonable to assume that sufficient quality sleep promotes a healthy sex life.
But what if there is a discrepancy in your sexual urges? If you want more, are you doomed to lie awake at night, filled with excruciating desire? Amidst the endless hustle and bustle of modern life as we know it, finding the time and energy to have sex, no matter how much we intellectually desire it, can be extremely difficult. Clear and honest communication can go a long way. schedule time for sexThere’s no shame in making space for what’s important to you. Plus, there is always masturbationMy friends, did I say that? And of course, if one or both of you are chronically sleep deprived, this is also a good place to start.
How to Improve Your Sex-Sleep Balance
You can improve both your sex life and your sleep by making a few simple changes. Consider the following tips:
– Use your bed only for sleeping and sex. Other activities, such as reading, scrolling, eating, or watching Netflix, should be done elsewhere. If you can’t fall asleep after spending 20 minutes in bed, get out of bed and don’t go back in until you’re sleepy.
– Consider removing electronic devices with screens from your sleep space, as they emit blue light that interferes with the sleep cycle.
– Avoid alcohol, tobacco and caffeine in the hours before bedtime, as these can all interfere with sleep.
– Waking up and going to sleep at regular times each day can do wonders for improving the quality of your sleep. The same goes for other routines, such as devoting the time before bedtime each night for meaningful relaxation. Sex may or may not be part of this routine.
While these tips can be very helpful on their own, don’t hesitate to consult your doctor if you are experiencing sexual dysfunction, sleep problems, or a combination of the two that do not improve despite your efforts. Additionally, couples (or single lovers) who are experiencing sexual-related issues may also benefit from consulting a licensed sexologist.
Here are some sweet and sexy Zzzzzzzs for you all.