Struggling to find the energy for intimacy in the bedroom? Perhaps it’s time to think delve into your sleep habits, as experts suggest that the quality of your sleep could be a critical factor.
While it’s commonly believed that a diminishing sex life is an inevitable aspect of aging relationships, recent research indicates that there’s another significant influencer, particularly affecting women: the quality of sleep.
Published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research in January, this study highlights the intricate link between healthy sleep and sexual function, revealing that a lack of sleep can significantly impact one’s sex life.
“A very recent systematic review and meta-analysis of 32 cross-sectional studies and 11 longitudinal studies determined that the risk of a sexual dysfunction among those with a sleep disorder was approximately double that of those with no sleep disorders,” says the study.
The findings shed light on a clear correlation, stating that individuals with sleep disorders faced nearly double the risk of sexual dysfunction compared to those without sleep issues.
In examining various factors contributing to insomnia, such as fear of sleep, nightmares, sexual function, satisfaction, activity, depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress, and alcohol use, the report indicated that recent sexual activity was linked to better sleep, lower anxiety, and reduced posttraumatic stress.
In contrast, insomnia severity was found to negatively impact sexual satisfaction.
“Recent sexual activity was correlated with better sleep, lower anxiety, and lower scores on a posttraumatic stress disorder screener,” says the report. Likewise, “Insomnia severity was negatively correlated with sexual satisfaction…and the presence of insomnia was associated with higher rates of sexual dysfunction in women and men.”
While sleep is often overlooked as a contributing factor of a great sex life, the study found that it’s essential, particularly when it comes to women’s performance and enjoyment.
“Women had approximately twice the rate of both sexual dysfunction and insomnia as that experienced by men,” said Dr Wilfred Pigeon from the University of Rochester, New York, who was the lead researcher on the study.
Among women grappling with insomnia, over half reported difficulty reaching orgasm, coupled with lower overall satisfaction in bed.
]Remarkably, only a third of unsatisfied women surveyed did not report poor sleep. Men also faced sexual challenges related to insomnia, albeit to a lesser extent, with 23% reporting issues, and only 12.5% attributing them to insufficient rest.
The impact of sleep on sexual enjoyment and experience is multifaceted. Sleep deprivation often correlates with mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, potentially interfering with intimacy. A
2017 study in Sleep Science suggested that tiredness resulting from a lack of sleep might impede intimacy, leading to sexual difficulties.
Furthermore, a lack of sleep can contribute to reduced libido, as insufficient sleep is linked to reduced testosterone levels in both men and women. Interestingly, after accounting for depression and anxiety, the study found a statistically significant association between insomnia and sexual function for women but not men.
