Let’s talk about sleep – the magical reset button for the body. You already know it’s crucial. But did you know that romping in your sheets (yes, that activity you are thinking about) can help you get better sleep? Interesting, isn’t it?
Sex and sleep are like peanut butter and jelly. They are supposed to go together but are often overlooked. However, you don’t need to fret, as growing knowledge in the health sciences tells us about the connection between sleep and sex and how you can make opportunities to improve your health.
So, get ready to read as we explain in detail the relationship between sleep and sex so you can properly understand the role sex plays in ensuring quality sleep and a healthy life.
Table of Contents
ToggleLet’s take a short answer. Absolutely yes. Sleep deprivation is clingy and can make your sex life awkward and weird. For women, it can zap your desire, putting you in a “do not disturb” mode. In men, it messes with testosterone levels, which might cause performance issues.
There is more! Insomnia can turn your mood into a rollercoaster, put a strain on your relationships, and throw your hormones into full-blown chaos. So, basically, bad sleep is the ultimate party crasher. Maybe you haven’t thought much of it, but think back to your partner’s performance after a bad night’s sleep. You might have noticed they may be cranky and conflict with you over little things. So, you see, less sleep equals less intimacy and, therefore, more stress.
Here comes the fun part. Do you know that sex can contribute to better sleep quality? Shocking right? Seriously, after orgasm, your body will release the friendly hormones prolactin and oxytocin, and boom, you get those relaxing and pleasant feelings.
Like Superman, they are your relaxation superheroes and can help you unwind and drift into an enchanted sleep. As a bonus, they can kick off stress hormones like cortisol. So next time you can’t sleep, try another kind of bedtime routine.
You must have wondered about the stereotype of men passing out immediately after having sex. It is just a cliché; science says men get a high hit of sleepy time hormone. As for ladies, when both partners reach orgasm, everyone is going to be equally sleepy after rolling in the hay, and women may even get an estrogen boost that helps them improve their REM sleep cycle. So you see, it’s a win-win situation.
Yes, you can. But just like everything else, the effects usually vary by person. For many individuals, sex is an excellent way to relax and prepare for a good night’s sleep. However, in some people, sex might stimulate them and make it harder to fall asleep, especially if it is emotionally charged or vigorous.
So, the trick is to find out what works best for you. Here’s a pro tip: make your bedroom activity seem more like a scene straight out of a movie, add candles, play soft music, and improve the mood.
It’s simple math. Bad sleep equals a bad sex life. Imagine being empty. Your mind and body won’t have the strength to get in the mood to say nothing or perform. Lack of sleep shoots up cortisol, and guess what? Your libido takes a nosedive.
Here is the deal: fellas, testosterone and sleep work best together. When you have less than four hours of shut-eye, your testosterone levels can take a huge hit compared to those who snooze for a good eight hours. And that’s not all; chronic sleep deprivation can mess with your sperm quality and even lead to…. Well, let’s just say technical difficulties in the bedroom. So, if you wish to keep things running smoothly, make eight hours of sleep non-negotiable.
For the ladies, skimping on sleep can do more than make you cranky. It can mess with your libido. Poor sleep usually reduces women’s sexual satisfaction, especially those going through menopause. Disturbed sleep during this time can cause a host of not-so-fun side effects like heart issues, high blood pressure, and depression. If you notice your satisfaction taking a hit, then it might be time to go to bed early and make getting quality sleep a new self-care ritual.
Alright, we have already learned that sex and sleep are like power couples. So, how can you make the most out of both of them? Let’s find out below some tips to improve the benefits of sleep and sex provides.
Sleep and sex are the ultimate wellness hacks you won’t learn in the general health class. When practiced together, it can help you enhance your mood, reduce stress, and make you wake up feeling refreshed and energized for the day. When you begin to struggle with sleepless nights or you feel a disconnection from your partner, consider making sex a bedtime routine. It’s free, fun and healthy. If you are looking to learn more about sex and sleep or how testosterone can affect your ability to sleep and have more sex, then this website has all the answers you need.
For men, the prolactin hormone is released after orgasm and has been shown to have a relationship with sleepiness. In women, after having sex, estrogen levels increase, which increases their REM cycle for deeper sleep.
Not having sex can make you miss hormones such as oxytocin and prolactin that help promote restful sleep. Women receive an estrogen boost, which helps. On the other hand, if you decide to start having sex, you will need a good night’s sleep to ensure you remain frisky.