Sleep affects all parts of a person’s health and daily life, including sex and intimacy.

Research shows that less sleep can lead to lack of sex. A study found that the longer and better a woman slept, the more interested they were in sex the next day. In fact, intimacy releases feel-good hormones called endorphins. These hormones help you relax and release stress and anxiety. Orgasm in women increases estrogen, which improves deep sleep, therefore lack of sex can cause sleepiness.

It’s normal for women to experience fluctuations in libido, that can be caused by anything from stress to changing hormones. But according to a new study, there is a simple way for women to increase their sexual interest: getting more sleep. The connection between sex and sleep goes beyond the bed; often, a healthy sex life will lead to better sleep health and sleep problems can cause lack of sex. If sex or sleep is suffering, chances are that one can be improved by improving the other.

Here is how lack of sex can affect sleep quality and vice-versa.

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Can lack of sex cause sleeplessness?

Studies conducted by the National Sleep Foundation have found that adults typically need between seven and nine hours of sleep each night. Clinical studies have found that the average adult today gets less than seven each night, which opens the door to all sorts of health and sexual issues. Sleep deprivation has been associated with reduced sexual desire and arousal in women. As a result, insomnia, one of the most common sleep disorders, may be a risk factor for sexual dysfunction.

Does sex help you sleep?

After an orgasm, the body releases hormones, like oxytocin, that can induce pleasant and relaxing feelings. Sex also reduces levels of the hormone cortisol, which is associated with stress. There’s a bonus for women, which is that sex boosts estrogen levels, enhancing your REM stage and giving you deeper slumber. 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 women say that an orgasm from masturbation helps them fall asleep and improves their sleep quality.

In another study, significant associations between sleep duration, insomnia, and sexual activity, and sexual satisfaction were identified. Women who slept less than 7-8 hours per night were less likely to be sexually active and sexually satisfied.

Decreased Endorfin Levels

Endorfins play an important role when it comes to female sexual performance. They are responsible for increasing sexual desire and stimulation among women. So if your endorfins levels drop, you may experience lower libido levels. Sadly, sleep deprivation decreases one’s endorfin levels. What makes it concerning is that the effects come immediately after only a few days of missing out on sleep and this can cause lack of sex.

Lack of Vaginal Lubrication

Sleep deprivation affects the female genitalia’s ability to lubricate during sex. This decrease may cause pain during penetration. Feeling pain during intercourse can contribute to make women experience lack of sex.

Lower Sex Drive and Bad Mood

Sleep deprivation causes one to feel tired, fatigued, anxious, and depressed. That’s because cortisol levels rise when you don’t get enough sleep. 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 that can cause lack of sex in women.

Now you know the relation between sleep deprivation and lack of sex, it’s time to address the underlying issues. Here are some ways how you can get better sleep at night:

Avoiding Sleep Deterrents

Alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine can all negatively impact your sleep quality, so you should avoid these substances in the hours before bedtime. You should also consider removing electronic devices with screens from your bedroom. These devices emit blue light that is thought to interfere with your sleep cycle.

Getting Out of Bed if You Cannot Fall Asleep

Minimizing the time you spend awake in bed when not engaging in sex can help you sleep. If you are unable to fall asleep after lying in bed for 20 minutes, leave the bed and avoid returning until you feel sleepy.

Make a Sleep and Sex Schedule

It might sound unsexy and unromantic, but creating a sleep and sex schedule is one of the most practical things you can do. In fact, having a routine to follow will help partners coordinate and plan an even more romantic evening. However, that doesn’t mean you should completely remove spontaneous sex from your relationship!

Don’t Take Long Naps

A healthy sex life demands good quality beauty rest for both you and your partner. Take the time to recharge—it’ll also help you bulk up energy for when things get going in the bedroom.