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.
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