{"id":3342,"date":"2019-09-03T13:55:27","date_gmt":"2019-09-03T13:55:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bettersleep.org\/?p=3342"},"modified":"2024-02-13T15:12:24","modified_gmt":"2024-02-13T15:12:24","slug":"better-sleep-leads-to-better-sex","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bettersleep.org\/blog\/better-sleep-leads-to-better-sex\/","title":{"rendered":"Better Sleep Leads to Better Sex"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Explore<\/p>\n

You might think it\u2019s candles, satin sheets and massage oils that get people revved up for romance, but the evidence is increasing that sleep is closely connected to sexual arousal. Let\u2019s find out why better sleep leads to better sex and what you can do to get more of both.<\/p>\n

For Women, Sleep Improves Sexual Desire<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

A 2015 study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine<\/em> showed that women over the course of a two-week period were 14% more likely to engage in sexual activity after they slept just 1 additional hour. In this case, more sleep equals more sex.<\/p>\n

\u201cSleeping well every night improves your overall mood, which means you could be more interested in having sex,\u201d says Mary Helen Rogers, vice president of marketing and communications for the Better Sleep Council.<\/p>\n

When we lose sleep<\/a>, we lose energy, focus and even self-esteem. Without those three qualities, it\u2019s almost impossible to get aroused. Unfortunately, women tend to be more sleep-deprived than men<\/a>. To maintain a healthy sex drive, try getting 7-8 hours of sleep<\/a> each night.<\/p>\n

For Men, Sleep Is Testosterone Time<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

Testosterone is a key driver of sexual behavior. This is true for both genders, but especially for men. And it turns out, the majority of testosterone release happens during sleep.<\/p>\n

In a study conducted by the University of Chicago, men who were subject to one week of sleep deprivation \u2013 which the study considered 5 hours per night \u2013 had their testosterone levels decreased by 10% to 15% the following day. That far exceeds the 1% to 2% drop in testosterone men experience in a year<\/em> as a normal part of aging. Wow.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur body makes many beneficial hormones during sleep, while getting rid of the bad ones,\u201d added Rogers. \u201cSleep is when our brain gets rid of toxins and we\u2019re able to stock up on hormones that are important for our immune system, managing stress and more.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sleep Can Be a Turn-on Even When You\u2019re Alone<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

Ever woke up after an intense erotic dream<\/a>? Remember how real it felt? Well, that\u2019s because it most likely was real, biologically speaking.<\/p>\n

Sleep studies have proven that both men and women can experience periods of sexual arousal \u2013 even orgasm \u2013 during REM sleep<\/a>, which is the same stage of sleep when we\u2019re likely to dream. It\u2019s an opportunity for you to experience the pleasure of sex without consciously engaging in it. All you have to do is spend time in the deep sleep zone.<\/p>\n

(BTW: If you want sexier dreams, you might want to try sleeping in a different sleeping position<\/a>. A 2012 study published in the academic journal Dreaming<\/em> found people who ZZZ on their stomachs are much more likely to have XXX dreams.)<\/p>\n

Get Turned on to Better Sleep<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

\u201cFor years, the Better Sleep Council has recommended that the bedroom<\/a> be used for mainly sleep and sex,\u201d says Rogers. \u201cThis research continues to prove how closely related the two activities are. And who doesn\u2019t want to improve their satisfaction with both?\u201d<\/p>\n\nCheck out the relationship between your sleep and sex life, and learn from @BetterSleepOrg why more of one might lead to more of the other. #BSCSleepTips\n<\/a>\n

Sources:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n