Sex Sleep 2022

Sex Sleep 2022

Home
/ Physical Health and Sleep
/ The Relationship Between Sex and Sleep

The Relationship Between Sex and Sleep

MedlinePlus: National Library of Medicine (US). (2018, June 5). Sexual health. Retrieved February 25, 2020, from
https://medlineplus.gov/sexualhealth.html

Flynn, K. E., Lin, L., Bruner, D. W., Cyranowski, J. M., Hahn, E. A., Jeffery, D. D., Reese, J. B., Reeve, B. B., Shelby, R. A., & Weinfurt, K. P. (2016). Sexual satisfaction and the importance of sexual health to quality of life throughout the life course of U.S. adults. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 13(11), 1642–1650.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27671968/

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). (2019, August 13). Brain basics: Understanding sleep. Retrieved February 24, 2021, from
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/patient-caregiver-education/understanding-sleep

Hirsch, I. H. (2020, July). Overview of sexual dysfunction in men. Merck Manual Consumer Version. Retrieved February 25, 2021 from
https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/men-s-health-issues/sexual-dysfunction-in-men/overview-of-sexual-dysfunction-in-men

Hirsch, I. H. (2020, July). Overview of male sexual function. Merck Manual Professional Edition. Retrieved February 25, 2021 from
https://www.merckmanuals.com/en-ca/professional/genitourinary-disorders/male-sexual-dysfunction/overview-of-male-sexual-function

Briken, P., Matthiesen, S., Pietras, L., Wiessner, C., Klein, V., Reed, G. M., & Dekker, A. (2020). Estimating the prevalence of sexual dysfunction using the new ICD-11 guidelines. Deutsches Arzteblatt International, 117(39), 653–658.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33357346/

Kalmbach, D. A., Arnedt, J. T., Pillai, V., & Ciesla, J. A. (2015). The impact of sleep on female sexual response and behavior: A pilot study. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 12(5), 1221–1232.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25772315/

Kohn, T. P., Kohn, J. R., Haney, N. M., Pastuszak, A. W., & Lipshultz, L. I. (2020). The effect of sleep on men's health. Translational Andrology and Urology, 9(Suppl 2), S178–S185.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32257858/

Costa, R., Costa, D., & Pestana, J. (2017). Subjective sleep quality, unstimulated sexual arousal, and sexual frequency. Sleep Science, 10(4), 147–153.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29410746/

Chen, K. F., Liang, S. J., Lin, C. L., Liao, W. C., & Kao, C. H. (2016). Sleep disorders increase risk of subsequent erectile dysfunction in individuals without sleep apnea: A nationwide population-base cohort study. Sleep Medicine, 17, 64–68.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26847976/

Petersen, M., Kristensen, E., Berg, S., & Midgren, B. (2013). Long-term effects of continuous positive airway pressure treatment on sexuality in female patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Sexual Medicine, 1(2), 62–68.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25356289/

Rodriguez, K. M., Kohn, T. P., Kohn, J. R., Sigalos, J. T., Kirby, E. W., Pickett, S. M., Pastuszak, A. W., & Lipshultz, L. I. (2020). Shift work sleep disorder and night shift work significantly impair erectile function. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 17(9), 1687–1693.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32736945/

Pastuszak, A. W., Moon, Y. M., Scovell, J., Badal, J., Lamb, D. J., Link, R. E., & Lipshultz, L. I. (2017). Poor sleep quality predicts hypogonadal symptoms and sexual dysfunction in male nonstandard shift workers. Urology, 102, 121–125.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27988267/

McCool-Myers, M., Theurich, M., Zuelke, A., Knuettel, H., & Apfelbacher, C. (2018). Predictors of female sexual dysfunction: A systematic review and qualitative analysis through gender inequality paradigms. BMC Women's Health, 18(1), 108.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29929499/

Nimbi, F. M., Tripodi, F., Rossi, R., Navarro-Cremades, F., & Simonelli, C. (2020). Male sexual desire: An overview of biological, psychological, sexual, relational, and cultural factors influencing desire. Sexual Medicine Reviews, 8(1), 59–91.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30803921/

Wilson, S. J., Jaremka, L. M., Fagundes, C. P., Andridge, R., Peng, J., Malarkey, W. B., Habash, D., Belury, M. A., & Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K. (2017). Shortened sleep fuels inflammatory responses to marital conflict: Emotion regulation matters. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 79, 74–83.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28262602/

National Institute of Health. (2017, February). Do social ties affect our health?: Exploring the biology of relationships. NIH News in Health. Retrieved February 26, 2021 from
https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2017/02/do-social-ties-affect-our-health

Millar, B. M., Starks, T. J., Rendina, H. J., & Parsons, J. T. (2019). Three reasons to consider the role of tiredness in sexual risk-taking among gay and bisexual men. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 48(1), 383–395.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30128984/

Lastella, M., O'Mullan, C., Paterson, J. L., & Reynolds, A. C. (2019). Sex and sleep: Perceptions of sex as a sleep promoting behavior in the general adult population. Frontiers in Public Health, 7, 33.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30886838/

Melehan, K. L., Hoyos, C. M., Hamilton, G. S., Wong, K. K., Yee, B. J., McLachlan, R. I., O'Meagher, S., Celermajer, D., Ng, M. K., Grunstein, R. R., & Liu, P. Y. (2018). Randomized trial of CPAP and Vardenafil on erectile and arterial function in men with obstructive sleep apnea and erectile dysfunction. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, 103(4), 1601–1611.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29409064/

Altarum Institute. (2019). Take charge of your sexual health: What you need to know about preventive services. Retrieved February 26, 2021 from
https://www.ncshguide.org/downloads/NCSH-Sexual-Health-Guide-National.pdf

Learn more about Physical Health and Sleep

Updated By
Danielle Pacheco
|
April 14, 2022

By
Danielle Pacheco
|
April 29, 2022

By
Danielle Pacheco
|
April 18, 2022

By
Danielle Pacheco
|
March 11, 2022

By
Danielle Pacheco
|
April 20, 2022

By
Danielle Pacheco
|
April 1, 2022

By
Danielle Pacheco
|
April 22, 2022

By
Danielle Pacheco
|
April 1, 2022

By
Danielle Pacheco
|
March 18, 2022

By
Danielle Pacheco
|
April 21, 2022

By
Danielle Pacheco
|
April 20, 2022

By
Danielle Pacheco
|
April 13, 2022

By
Danielle Pacheco
|
April 19, 2022

The content on this website is for informational purposes only. SleepFoundation.org does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment options.

© 2022 OneCare Media, LLC. All rights reserved.

Sleep Foundation
Fact-Checking: Our Process

If you're ready for more ⟶ sign up to receive our email newsletter!

Find a bed that's the best fit for you
Discover how much sleep you really need

Dr. Abhinav Singh , Sleep Physician
We regularly assess how the content in this article aligns with current scientific literature and expert recommendations in order to provide the most up-to-date research.
Sex and sexuality are important components of health 1 in adults. Sexual health is not only physical but also involves emotions, relationships, and broader quality of life 2 .
Sleep also has far-reaching effects on well-being. It is a pillar of health that is critical to nearly every process and system 3 of the body.
Despite the major role that both sleep and sex have in overall wellness, the relationship between them has often been overlooked. Fortunately, though, expanding knowledge in health sciences has started to reveal an important, bidirectional link between sex and sleep.
While there is more research to be done, evidence so far demonstrates that quality sleep can promote a better sex life, and a healthy sex life can facilitate improved sleep.
Recognizing the connections between sleep and sex can create opportunities for enhancing each of these significant contributors to adult health.
Sleep and sexuality are complex and involve both the mind and body. Reviewing the basic elements of healthy sleep and sex enables a more well-rounded understanding of the relationship between them.
Sleep is essential for recuperation, and sleeping well requires getting a sufficient amount of rest, which is seven to nine hours per night for most adults.
Sleep quality is also vital. A typical night’s sleep is made up of several sleep cycles, each of which is composed of individual sleep stages . Continuous sleep without interruption allows these stages to unfold properly, enabling truly restorative sleep.
Although sleep shares many central characteristics in both men and women, there are gender- and sex-based differences in how sleep works that can influence the ability to sleep well.
Like sleep, sex is made up of several different elements. In healthy sexual function, both sexes experience the following four stages 4 :
When one or more stages of this process become disrupted, it can cause sexual dysfunction 6 .
Sexual problems can affect anyone, but the causes and symptoms are frequently distinct in men and women. Studies estimate that around 33% of men and 45% of women 7 experienced at least mild sexual problems in the last year, and around 13% of men and 17% of women had more serious issues that caused them distress.
Examples of sexual dysfunction include a loss of interest in sex, a lack of arousal, an inability to experience excitement or orgasm, and sex that is painful or not enjoyable. Sexual health problems can be primarily physical but are commonly tied to mental, emotional, or relationship issues that interfere with normal sexual activity.
Research studies have found multiple ways that nightly sleep can affect sex.
Sleep deprivation has been associated with reduced sexual desire and arousal 8 in women. As a result, insomnia , one of the most common sleep disorders, may be a risk factor for sexual dysfunction. A lack of sleep and disrupted sleep have also been linked to a higher risk of erectile dysfunction 9 .
Perhaps surprisingly, short-term sleep deprivation has been found to cause increased sexual arousal 10 in women the following day, which may be tied to changes in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. However, this lack of sleep was not found to increase the likelihood of actually having sex, which may reflect how sleepiness and fatigue can interfere with sexual activity.
Several sleep disorders have been connected to sexual problems. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which involves recurring pauses in breathing that disrupt sleep, has been associated with a significantly higher risk of erectile dysfunction 11 . Studies have also shown that OSA is tied to sexual dysfunction in women 12 .
Working non-standard hours, known as shift work, also has been linked to erectile dysfunction 13 . Shift work can throw a person’s circadian rhythm out of alignment with the day-night schedule, interfering with numerous bodily processes. The risk of sexual problems has been found mostly in shift workers who report poor sleep 14 .
Poor sleep can also hinder sex because of its effect on mental health. Insufficient and fragmented sleep can exacerbate conditions like depression and anxiety. These disorders are often related to sexual dysfunction in women 15 and men 16 because of their influence on sexual desire and arousal.
Besides mental health disorders, poor sleep can lead to emotional and relationship problems that can hinder sexual health. For example, a lack of sleep can make conflict with a partner more likely 17 , fostering an emotional state that heightens stress 18 , reduces intimacy, and detracts from a satisfying sex life.
Another way that sleep may affect sexual health is through impaired decision-making and impulse control 19 . Sleep deprivation may raise the risk of risky sexual behavior that can lead to sexually transmitted infections or unplanned pregnancy.
Sexual activity can often contribute to better sleep. After an orgasm, the body releases hormones 20 , like oxytocin and prolactin, that can induce pleasant and relaxing feelings. Sex also reduces levels of the hormone cortisol, which is associated with stress.
Studies indicate that these hormonal changes can cause drowsiness and make it easier to fall asleep. This effect can occur with masturbation as well as sex. Around 50% of both men and women say that an orgasm from masturbation helps them fall asleep and improves their sleep quality.
Sex with a partner may enhance this hormonal response and facilitate greater feelings of closeness and intimacy that are conducive to sleep. In heterosexual partners, research has found this effect to be greater in men than women, which aligns with a popular social conception of men quickly falling asleep after sex.
However, when both people achieve orgasm during sex, the difference in sleepiness is no longer statistically significant. In this way, the association of sleepiness and sex for men in heterosexual relationships may, in part, reflect a disparity in satisfaction and orgasm achieved during sex with a partner.
The relationship between sleep and sex creates an opportunity to improve both of them along with your overall well-being.
For many people, improving sleep starts by raising the issue with a doctor. Sleeping problems and daytime sleepiness can be caused by underlying sleep disorders, like sleep apnea, that have effective treatments. Diagnosing and treating those conditions can meaningfully improve sleep and may improve sex. For example, consistent adherence to treatment for sleep apnea has been found to reduce erectile dysfunction 21 in men.
Shift workers can talk with a doctor to optimize their sleep within their work schedule. Different types of treatment, including a specialized kind of counseling called cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), can help people with insomnia get better rest. A doctor can also help address other health conditions that can interfere with sleep.
Sleep hygiene is another critical aspect of quality sleep. It incorporates both the sleep environment and the daily habits that influence sleep. Specific tips that can strengthen sleep hygiene include:
Making an effort to improve sleep hygiene can help you get more of the sleep you need every day. In doing so, these healthy habits can also pave the way to a more vibrant sex life.
Improving sexual health, including regular, satisfying sex, can boost your wellness and may facilitate better sleep.
As with sleep problems, it’s important to talk with a doctor about any concerns related to sexual health or sexual dysfunction. While many people are shy to raise these issues, it’s beneficial to discuss them openly and honestly with a health care provider. Remember that sexual problems are common, and doctors are trained to help address them. Regardless of your questions or concerns, there are numerous ways to start the conversation 22 .
Sexual health can include far-reaching aspects of sex and sexuality. Improving sexual health might involve addressing issues with sexual performance or satisfaction, reviewing ways to practice safer sex, testing for sexually transmitted infections, and ensuring that sexual relationships are positive.
For some couples, sex therapy can provide practical advice to enhance intimacy and sexual fulfillment. Although general tips for better sex are widely available, working with a professional can incorporate valid, evidence-based approaches to cultivating a more rewarding sex life.

Eric Suni has over a decade of experience as a science writer and was previously an information specialist for the National Cancer Institute.

Dr. Singh is the Medical Director of the Indiana Sleep Center. His research and clinical practice focuses on the entire myriad of sleep disorders.

Your email address will only be used to receive SleepFoundation.org newsletters. Further information can be found in our Privacy Policy
Our editorial team is dedicated to providing content that meets the highest standards for accuracy and objectivity. Our editors and medical experts rigorously evaluate every article and guide to ensure the information is factual, up-to-date, and free of bias.
Our fact-checking guidelines are as follows:
Eric Suni has over a decade of experience as a science writer and was previously an information specialist for the National Cancer Institute.
Want to read more about all our experts in the field? Learn About The Editorial Team
Dr. Singh is the Medical Director of the Indiana Sleep Center. His research and clinical practice focuses on the entire myriad of sleep disorders.
Want to read more about all our experts in the field? Learn About The Editorial Team

Home
/ Best Mattress
/ Best Mattress for Sex

Trial length: 120 nights (30 night requirement)

Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King

Who it's best for:

Couples that need extra edge support
Hot sleepers
Back and stomach sleepers

Highlights:

Above-average edge support with reinforced perimeter coils
Plush Euro-top contours the body to relieve pressure
120-night sleep trial

Trial length: 365 nights (30-night requirement)

Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King

Who it's best for:

Shoppers who want an extended sleep trial
Sleepers who prefer contouring from memory foam
People who want a solidly medium firm (6) feel

Highlights:

Strong performance at a competitive price-point
365-night sleep trial
Coil support core provides deep support and bounce

Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King

Who it's best for:

People who weigh up to 230 pounds
Anyone whose sleep is easily disturbed by their partner’s movements in bed
Shoppers looking for a mattress with a long trial period

Highlights:

All-foam construction with a medium firm feel cushions and contours to the body without sacrificing support
Excellent motion isolation for couples
365-night sleep trial

Firmness: Soft (3), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)

Trial length: 365 Nights ($99 Return Fee)

Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, California King, Split California King

Who it's best for:

Couples who prefer bounce during sex
Shoppers who are unsure of their ideal firmness level
Sleepers with sharp pressure points

Highlights:

Polyfoam Euro-top gives the surface a plush feel
Coil-on-coil design adds responsiveness
Memory foam lumbar pad supports the lower back

Trial length: 100 nights (30-night requirement)

Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King

Who it's best for:

Back sleepers
Those who enjoy the feel of foam without excessive sinkage
People seeking pressure relief

Highlights:

Plush surface provides excellent pressure relief
Foam layers confer moderate bounce
Produces little noise

Firmness: Firm (7), Extra Firm (9)

Trial length: 120 nights (30-night requirement)

Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, Short Queen, Olympic Queen, King, Short King, RV King, California King, Split California King

Who it's best for:

Stomach and back sleepers
Those who sleep hot
People who have trouble getting in and out of bed

Highlights:

Flippable design offers two firmness options
Above-average firmness provides excellent support
Strong edge support

Trial length: 101 nights (30-night requirement)

Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King

Who it's be
Kids Girls Nudists Photos
Sex Russia Public Agent
Masturbate Solo 1080p

Sex Sleep 2022

Report Page