Lack of sleep affects your energy, your focus, your general mood for life. But when it comes to sex, sleep problems ruin your libido. The atmosphere is less”draw me as one of your french girls” and more “honestly my dear i don’t give a damn.”
Whether it’s a day of not getting enough zzz’s or chronic insomnia, here’s how poor sleep is messing with your sex:
It lowers your testosterone levels.
Yes. You need oxygen to make more testosterone, and chronic sleep problems—like sleep apnea—interfere with that process. I hear my episode with urologist Dr. Edward Karpman to hear him talk more about it: less testosterone means erectile dysfunction, less motivation for sex, and less energy overall.
It makes sexual arousal more difficult.
Your desire for sex is greatly reduced, and in this STUDYfemales had less sexual response to their genitals when they slept.
It fuels conflict in a relationship.
Science has proven that you are more likely to fight if you are a couple and one (or both) of you are not sleeping.
Want to hear something wild? Every day, up to 30% of adults struggle with chronic insomnia. This means that many people aren’t having their best sex… simply because their sleep is suffering.
So let’s look at six strategies to improve your sleep hygiene, for better rest and better sex.
1. Have an orgasm… Alone or with a partner
Did you know that orgasms help you sleep? Is true. When you have an orgasm, your body releases prolactin: a hormone that promotes sleep and REM sleep cycles. Just remember to use lube, no matter what genitals you have – whether you use a toy or a hand, you’re at least 50% more likely to orgasm using lube. These days, I’m very into CBD stimulant oil by Morgasm: what’s so cool about their formula is that they infuse it with organic CBD (a whopping 250mg in each tube) and sex-boosting ingredients like L-Arginine to give you a more intense orgasm. Additionally, their formula helps penis owners last longer while helping vulva owners have faster orgasms as CBD supports muscle relaxation and increased blood flow. Orgasm gap who? It’s also super slippery and safe for play, and I’ve found that it makes the genitals more sensitive to the touch…oh la la.
2. Put your devices “to bed” 30 minutes before you
Your smartphone, tablet, and other gadgets emit blue light that disrupts your body’s production of melatonin: a key hormone that makes you sleepy and keeps your circadian rhythm in check. Protect your melatonin, put those devices away and why not meditate-masturbate-manifest Instead? Or cuddling (and by cuddling, I mean having sex) with your lover.
3. Stop napping
Are you a midday napper? Try to see what happens when you skip it. Chances are, you’ll find it much easier to fall asleep, since afternoon and evening naps throw off your body’s internal sleep clock. Here’s an idea: instead, indulge in some sexy self-care, like a relaxing bath (to indulge the drowsy ones without actually sleeping) or a walk (to get the blood pumping).
4. Swap your afternoon latte for decaf
Many of us try to get a 3pm pick-me-up in the form of a caffeinated treat. But caffeine isn’t just a stimulant – it lowers melatonin, the all-important sleep hormone. Prefer herbal or decaffeinated tea.
5. Maintain a regular sleep schedule
Here’s the thing: your body wants have a regular bedtime and a regular wake-up time. Experts recommend training your wakefulness patterns by creating a sleep schedule for at least two weeks and sticking to it, even if you don’t fall asleep right away. Extra credit if you go ahead and write a sex date (with yourself or your partner) while you’re at it.
6. Wear a sleep mask and use earplugs
Many of us are more sensitive to stimuli than we realize. So experiment with completely shutting off your vision and hearing, with an easy (and cheap) solution: a sleep mask to cover your eyes (I love these), and earplugs (add these to cart) to block night sounds. The result? Less processing for your brain, more sleep for you.
When you get seven to nine hours of sleep a night—the amount we all need for healthy REM cycles and deep, nourishing sleep—your sex drive, mental health, and overall well-being improve dramatically.
So get some zzz’s to optimize that action XXX… Doctor’s orders.
