Sleep and Sex

Sleep and sex. Beyond the obvious - both are often done in bed - there is a big connection between sleep and sex. 
Research shows that sleep problems are often linked to sexual health problems. .
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In one study, women provided sleep issues as their number one reason for low sexual desire. Another study illustrated that women who, on average, sleep longer hours reported better genital arousal than women who, on average, slept shorter hours. In fact, one hour of extra sleep showed a 14% chance increase of partnered sex the following day. .
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While poor sleep certainly impacts sexual health in men, it doesn’t in the same way due to the increased amount of testosterone in men. Let me elaborate, poor sleep and stress both cause release of cortisol which decreases testosterone which is a hormone connected to sexual desire. Men have more of it, therefore when the same amount is depleted in both men and women, men are still left with more. .
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In addition, the same things recommended for better sleep are often times also recommended for better sexual desire: prioritizing, minimizing distractions, create positive associations. One simple place to start - keep your bed a place only for sleep and sex!