Sleep-Deprived People Have Less Sex

Getting a good night’s sleep is vital for staying healthy. It’s also good for your sex life. Research suggests that chronically sleep-deprived people have less sex. “There are a lot of ways that sleep affects one’s sex life,” said J. Catesby Ware, MD, chief of sleep medicine at Eastern Virginia Medical School.

Some people get less sleep and sex because of their hectic schedules. After a long day at work, many couples feel like sleeping– not having sex– when they hit the pillow. Some psychiatric or medical problems can also interfere with good sleep and sex. Symptoms of depression include diminished sex drive and insomnia. Many antidepressants can cause erectile dysfunction and loss of libido.

Sleep apnea is a medical condition in which people wake up hundreds of times during the night; this causes daytime sleepiness and irritability. Men with sleep apnea tend to have lower levels of testosterone, which can further lower their libido. To improve your “sleep hygiene,” or sleep behaviors, go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day. Exercise regularly and limit substance that disturb sleep, such as caffeine, alcohol and nicotine. See your physician if you think your sexual problems are due to lack of sleep.

posted by SureMedia Press