by Kathleen Nialla, Sponsored Posts
Three things a good relationship have in common are a good mattress, good sex, and good sleep. It’s no surprise that the three go hand in hand in hand, especially when we look at the research regarding how one affects the other. So if you’re having difficulty sleeping as much as you’d like, or things are feeling a little bland in the romance department, solving one issue could help with the others!
Does having sex help you sleep better?
According to most studies, the answer is an overwhelming “yes”. More sex generally equals better sleep, and the answer isn’t very complicated. Sex that includes orgasms releases a combination of “feel-good” hormones including oxytocin and prolactin, and also reduces levels of cortisol, which is related to stress.
These hormones can induce a relaxed, sleepy feeling and make it easier for you to fall asleep after an orgasm. However, further research shows that it may be the decrease of stress that combats insomnia. These effects are not exclusive to sex with a partner and may also be achieved through self-love practices.
The Relationship Between Sex and Sleep
Sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep apnea are tied to a decrease in libido and sexual performance as contributors to erectile dysfunction. These correlations are potentially due to processes that occur in the brain during REM sleep, and when sleep conditions are improved, sexual health usually follows.
Improving sleep health is best handled with a visit to the doctor. While some sleep issues are the result of stress, mental health issues, or sleep disorders, others can come from hormonal imbalances or other treatable conditions. A doctor is the right person to help you find a lasting solution.
When poor sleep is the result of stress, efforts to increase sexual activity may help improve the situation. Both self-love practices and sex with a partner may help to increase the happy hormones that ease anxiety and help you rest.
Elements of Healthy Sleep and Sex
Healthy sleep is achieved through a proper routine, a relaxing sleep space with an adequate mattress, and enough time to complete three to five REM cycles. While these requirements are the bare minimum, they’re a good starting point for those dealing with sleep deprivation.
Healthy sex is hardly objective, but it’s definitely a good idea to have an adequate mattress with a good level of bounce to avoid pain or discomfort. Additionally, healthy sex practices ideally don’t interrupt sleep too often. While occasionally waking up for sex in the middle of the night can be fun and keep a relationship alive, doing this too often could throw off a sleep schedule and lead to a decreased sex drive in the future.
Steps to Enhance Both Sleep and Sex
If you’re struggling both to get a good night’s sleep and to be excited about sex, try setting some goals after you’ve made yourself a doctor’s appointment. Alarms to help you know when to sleep, do not disturb settings on your phone, and talking to your partner could all be helpful solutions. We’ll go into more detail on these steps below.
Improving Sleep:
Sleep hygiene is one of the most important factors to attaining good rest, but it’s also one of the first things to go when things get stressful. Try to protect your sleep hygiene no matter what. If you’re on a tight deadline, try to skip the laundry rather than a few hours of sleep, or other tasks that can wait. While you can always catch up on laundry, sleep is not something you can make up later, and it’s harder to outsource.
Additionally, you can try to separate your sleep space from all other activities and distractions—other than sex of course. The problem with working or eating where you sleep is that it’s difficult to disengage and get your brain to slow down enough to relax. When you reserve your bed for sleep and sex, it becomes a relaxing retreat from other stressors.
Improving Sexual Health
Improving sexual health may look different from person to person, but if you’re dealing with any discomfort or pain, it’s important to talk to your partner and a doctor. Pain with sex isn’t as uncommon as it sounds, and most of the time it’s treatable.
Additionally, if you’re feeling tired, it may be more difficult to get aroused, so starting well-rested may be the boost you need to kickstart your libido and decrease pain associated with sex.
Some couples find that scheduling sex can be more effective when it comes to improving intimacy, especially when you’re busy. Play around with the time of day you’re getting together to see if things are easier at specific times. Some people are strictly morning people, while others are more flexible in their sexual practices.