{"id":1253,"date":"2018-02-05T15:05:23","date_gmt":"2018-02-05T15:05:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/redesign.bettersleep.stage.env.marcusthomasllc.com\/?p=1253"},"modified":"2018-02-05T15:05:23","modified_gmt":"2018-02-05T15:05:23","slug":"how-wintertime-affects-sleep-and-sex","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bettersleep.org\/blog\/how-wintertime-affects-sleep-and-sex\/","title":{"rendered":"How wintertime affects sleep and sex"},"content":{"rendered":"

Winter brings its blustery chill, leaving everyone to search for warmth. For many couples, those toastier temperatures are found in the bedroom. Research shows that the bedroom is America\u2019s favorite place for cuddling, and that\u2019s where many couples head to bury beneath blankets and embrace, in slumber or romance, to kindle body heat.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are a variety of reasons why people may have more sleep, sex and cuddling in the winter months,\u201d says Terry Cralle, a registered nurse, certified clinical sleep educator and Better Sleep Council (BSC) consultant. \u201cWith colder temperatures in many parts of the country and shortened daylight hours, people may find they want to go to bed earlier.\u201d<\/p>\n

With more time in bed, couples have more hours to sleep and to enjoy some other passionate pastimes. \u201cCertainly, there are many benefits to turning in earlier, including getting a full-night\u2019s rest, and for couples, they have more time with each other,\u201d says Cralle.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not just the quantity of sex that picks up during winter \u2013 the quality improves, too. BSC research shows that, among people who are intimate more often in cold weather, 77% find their winter sex is better when compared with other times of the year.<\/p>\nThe key to keeping your relationship strong all year long? Sleep #BSCsleeptips #nightynight #relationshipgoals<\/a>\n

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Not all relationships and sleep improve with extra bedtime<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

All of this makes winter sound like the most romantic time of all. However, not all couples equally enjoy the Valentine\u2019s season slumber party. In some relationships, extra time in bed creates discomfort and stress. Partners struggle with sleep habits and preferences that don\u2019t align with one another\u2019s. This keeps couples from enjoying healthful sleep, plus getting extra energy and excitement for cuddling and sex.<\/p>\n

People of all genders and ages are affected by sleep deficits. Research shows that when men regularly sleep for 5 hours or less, their testosterone levels drop<\/a> to the levels of a man 15 years older, making them less excited about sex. A study of college-aged women shows that they increase their sex drive by 14%<\/a> with every extra hour of sleep.<\/p>\n

The lack of sleep hurts relationships even beyond the bedroom. Studies show that when we\u2019re not getting enough sleep, we are less attractive, less witty and more argumentative. Additional research shows our need for sleep can make us less satisfied in our relationships<\/a>. Why does this happen? The long story short is that our pre-frontal cortex, the brain section we use to weigh and make decisions, makes more mistakes when under-rested. Tired minds can be less talented at connecting in emotion or touch.<\/p>\n

For example, a recent study from the Ohio State Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research<\/a> reviewed the sleep habits and behaviors of 43 married couples. Among those who slept less, the twosomes had poorer moods and were more hostile toward each other when they functioned with less than 7 hours of sleep. Interestingly, the well-rested couples still had disagreements, but the way they handled them was different<\/em>, approaching conflicts in a more constructive, collaborative manner.<\/p>\n

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Reclaim sexy, healthful sleep for your relationship<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re in one of these relationships where one or both people struggle to sleep, you\u2019re not alone. On average, one in three<\/a> Americans says their partner\u2019s sleep problems hurt their ability to snooze. The good news is that you and your lover don\u2019t have to settle for separate beds. You can use Valentine\u2019s Day as a reason to bring harmony back to the bedroom.<\/p>\n

The first step in solving sleep issues, like most tensions in a relationship, is to communicate. With your partner, dream up a strategy for helping each other rest long and well. Even couples who enjoy compatible sleep can try a new trick or two for even better time in the bedroom. Prepare for a season of sexier slumber by adding some new approaches.<\/p>\n