While each one of us requires 7-8 hours of sleep for better functionality the next day, sleep loss affects various bodily functions-including sexual drive. Sleep plays a crucial role in sexual drive as it increases the libido of an individual if they sleep well regularly.
Sleep deprivation can cause fatigue and cause lack of interest between the partners, say experts. They also opine that melatonin can influence sexual drive.
Sleep and libido
Speaking to Happiest Health, Dr Carleara Weiss, Sleep Scientist, State University of New York at Buffalo, says, “Sleep deprivation reduces libido, sexual performance, and arousal. In addition, untreated sleep disturbances such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) negatively impact sexual performance and libido.”
It is important for consensual sexually active adults to care for their sleep cycle to avoid problems in bed, and it goes for both men and women.
“Furthermore, lack of sleep can raise stress and anxiety levels, lowering sexual arousal and performance. Subsequently, insufficient sleep increases a person’s risk of developing conditions like diabetes and heart disease, both of which can worsen erectile dysfunction,” she added.
Does sleep or lack thereof affect libido?
Lack of sleep may prevent the body from producing enough hormones to keep the libido in check. The connection between sleep and libido is complicated, experts say. In some cases, lack of sleep can cause mental and physical exhaustion, decreasing libido.
Sleep deprivation may lead to unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as a poor diet and reduced libido. According to Dr Angela Holliday-Bell, sleep specialist, coach, and speaker, “Insufficient sleep has been associated with impaired sexual drive. Lack of sleep has also been associated with a decrease in testosterone in men, which is linked to libido or sex drive.”
Research published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine showed that females suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) experienced more sexual distress and sexual dysfunction.
Dr Holiday-Bell and Dr Weiss opine that men can experience problems such as erectile dysfunction. They further added that men and women may experience infertility due to severe sleep deprivation. Studies in this area have been getting more attention in the past few years, say experts.
One research paper titled Sleep and libido in men with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome found that men with untreated OSA suffered from low libido. Older age and depressed mood were the most important factors of low libido in middle-aged men with OSA.
How to sleep well to improve libido?
Dr Weiss and Dr Holliday-Bell share the following tips for boosting libido through sleep:
- Get sufficient sleep: Aim for at least 7-9 hours per night to improve physical and mental health.
- Relieve stress: Stress can lead to a reduction in libido. Try stress-reduction techniques like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing.
- Start exercising: Regular workouts can help alleviate stress and boost libido.
- Avoid substance abuse: Alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs can disrupt sleep, resulting in fatigue and a loss of libido.
- Avoid caffeine: Caffeine can make it difficult to fall and stay asleep.
- Consistent sleep schedule: Getting natural sunlight during the day is vital for your circadian rhythm. Have a consistent and relaxing bedtime routine to facilitate sleep. Also, give yourself enough time to sleep to meet your sleep needs.
- Supplements: Taking specific supplements like magnesium, zinc, and vitamins can also help enhance libido.
- Seek help: Don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor if you are experiencing any problems with your libido.
Takeaways
- Sleep and libido have a complicated relationship.
- Poor sleep can reduce libido and sufficient sleep helps in maintaining and boosting libido.
- Lack of sleep can cause sexual dysfunction in men and women with obstructive sleep apnea.
- Maintaining a good sleep hygiene can help to improve your libido through sleep.
