Better Sleep - Better Sex Life

The journey to great sex life starts in bed. Wait. Don’t get too excited already. We mean sleep.

A healthy sex life boosts multiple aspects of our physical and emotional health. It plays a crucial role in enhancing everything from mood to heart health.

Sleep and sex are interrelated and involve both your mind and body. Countless studies have concluded that sexual activity causes the body to release extra oxytocin, also called the love hormone. This hormone helps people feel connected.

Our body also secretes more prolactin, another feel-good hormone, in response to sexual activity. After sex, these hormones make men and women feel relaxed and sleepy. Sex also decreases circulating cortisol, a stress hormone in the blood.

And not just that, women experience elevated estrogen levels after sex. Extra estrogen can help them get deep sleep. This factor makes understanding the relationship between sleep and sexual issues a necessity.

Many women struggle with sexual dysfunction, which can reduce desire, orgasm issues, dissatisfaction, pain, or other problems.

Although sleep shares many characteristics in both men and women, there are differences in determining how it works and influences our ability to sleep well.

This factor leads us to the fact that one has to optimize their sleep to enjoy better sex life.

Sleep is essential for recuperating our minds and body. However, the quality of sleep is also vital.

A typical night’s sleep consists of several sleep cycles. Sleeping without interruption allows these stages to unfold.

Various experts have concluded that sleep is a prominent factor affecting sex life.

As mentioned earlier, sleep deprivation is associated with reduced sexual desire and arousal in women. Thus, insomnia is one of the most common sleep disorders that prove to be a risk factor for sexual dysfunction. Also, disrupted or lack of sleep can lead to erectile dysfunction in men.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), characterized by recurring pauses in breathing that disrupts sleep, is associated with a significantly higher risk of erectile dysfunction.

And not just that, studies have shown a connection between OSA and sexual dysfunction in women.

Working for long hours at a stretch can throw a person’s circadian rhythm out of alignment with the day-night schedule, interfering with numerous bodily processes. The risk of sexual problems is majorly among shift workers who report poor sleep.

Poor sleep can also hinder sex because of its effect on mental health. Fragmented sleep patterns can give rise to conditions like depression and anxiety. Besides mental health disorders, they can also lead to emotional and relationship problems between a couple.

For example, lack of sleep is more likely to cause conflict with your partner than a good night’s sleep putting one in an emotional state which heightens stress.

Another way that sleep may affect sexual health is through impaired decision-making and impulsive nature. Sleep deprivation may raise the risk of risky sexual behaviour leading to sexually transmitted infections or unplanned pregnancy.

Now that we know how sleep and sex are interrelated, below are a few steps to enhance your sleep quality.

Maintain sleep hygiene.

Put away cell phones, laptops, and tablets for at least 30 minutes before bed.

Make the bedroom inviting by setting a comfortable temperature.

Use dim and warm lighting and ensure a pleasant smell in your bedroom.

Lastly, having a mattress that is supportive and optimal for sex.

 We hope by now, we can safely conclude that Better sleep – Better sex life.