Most people who have sleep struggles are aware that it affects many aspects of daily life. However, did you know that it also affects your sex life as well? Here’s why:

1) Bed Partners

Do you enjoy having a partner in bed? Or does it totally disturb your sleep? We’ve explored both sides of the story.

Loving it

Not only may you just love sleeping beside your partner, but there is scientific evidence to support the enjoyment you get from it. Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh believe sleeping next to someone helps lower cortisol, a stress hormone in our bodies, perhaps because it encourages feelings of safety and security. Sharing a bed has also been found to boost the levels of oxytocin in the body, otherwise known as the “love hormone.” Though traditionally these hormones have been found to be released during sex, scientists are finding that they are also released during cuddling and pillow talk!

Hating it

Many Americans report being disturbed at night by their sleeping partner. There are many reasons why having a bed partner can cause a disturbance, but we like to think that many of these reasons can be resolved! A few of the issues reported were different sleep/wake schedules, sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, and different sleep preferences such as temperature.

However, Lisa Overmyer provides us with a few ideas on how to combat these issues:

• have at least a queen sized mattress, and even different blankets or pillows if your sleep preferences differ to that extreme
• try to have a bedtime conversation before the first partner goes to bed
• avoid alcohol and sleeping on your side in the case of snorers

Kelly Kosarek also provides us with an idea she acquired from Ariana Huffington in her video below:

2) Sex Before Sleep

There are also two different sides to this story: one person might claim that sex actually helps them sleep better at night, and the next person might say having sex before bed keeps them tossing and turning.

Sleepy After Sex

This isn’t a myth. There is actually a scientific explanation behind the feeling of being extremely tired after having sex. Our body produces a chemical called prolactin. This chemical is released when we sleep, and in experiments, when injected, actually makes animals sleepier. When we have sex, prolactin is released, and it is released in great amounts upon orgasms. So, after sex, your body is bound to chemically produce a cocktail that makes you feel tired.

Super Energized After Sex

Unfortunately for this one, there is no scientific data behind the phenomenon. The only small piece of data I have stumbled upon is the fact that, if you have shortages of prolactin levels, you will release less during sex, avoiding that feeling of sleepiness. But, if you google it, many forums approach the topic of feeling really awake after having sex, and no one has an explanation. Obviously it occurs in a large number of the population, but for now, it’s mostly just a phenomenon. If this happens to you, let us know!

3) Libido

You could have probably guessed by this point that lack of sleep affects your libido. In men, lack of sleep attributes to dramatically reduced levels of testosterone, as discovered by scientists at the University of Chicago. This without a doubt contributes to a decreased sex drive. Additionally, lack of sleep leads to reduced sex drive in women as well. A study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine focuses on the effects of sleep deprivation on women, and found that obtaining sufficient sleep is important to the promotion of healthy sexual desire and genital response.

Clearly, lack of sleep leads to decreased sexual desire among both genders.

4) Sleep Apnea

A large percentage of people with sleep apnea are undiagnosed. However, there is a lot of data that can help those with sleep apnea get a better night’s rest as well as improve their sex lives. In 2002, a study was done at Technion-Israel Institute of Technology which proved the fact that male patients who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea experience decreased libido and sexual activity. Not only does the lack of sleep affect their libido, but it was also found that those who suffer from sleep apnea secrete lower levels of testosterone. However, men are not the only people who suffer from sleep apnea. A study performed in 2011 focused on women with sleep apnea, and found that their scores on the Female Sexual Function Index indicated that they were at a higher risk for having sexual difficulties.

Conclusively, among both genders, untreated sleep apnea will most likely lead to sexual frustration and difficulty.

5) Technology

“ Neuro-imaging has shown that back-and-forth texting floods the pleasure centers of the brain, the same area that lights up when using heroin or other addictive drugs!”

We’ve all probably heard that it’s bad to use electronics before bed-the light messes up our bodies and prevents us from getting a good night’s sleep, almost to the equivalence of the way drugs affects our sleep. However, now it is recommended to turn off your electronics before bed to benefit your sex life as well. Durex has launched a new campaign based off their most recent research to urge people to shut off their electronics in order to help their romantic lives in the bedroom. Take a look:

It’s as simple as that: just TURNING OFF your electronics can greatly benefit bedroom romance. Our communication is greatly suffering because of technology, and it is crucial to have face to face intimate moments with your partner/spouse.

“Turn off to turn on.”

Thanks for the advice Durex :)

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