Sex and sleep: mutually beneficial bed partners

     

 

By Gina Roberts-Grey

 

A survey by the Better Sleep Council says six in 10 American crave sleep more than sex. But a little romance this Valentine’s Day just might help you catch the 40 winks you crave and lead to enjoying celebrating the one day of the year set aside for lovers.

 

Romance is a hot topic during February. But maybe the link between sex and sleep deprivation—and the toll a lack of sleep takes on your love life—are what lovers should be focusing on.

 

Sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea and insomnia can throw a wet blanket on your romantic embers. After all, who has the energy for sex when you’re exhausted due to lack of sleep?

 

Some partners sensitive to snoring or who can’t agree on the temperature in the bedroom resort to sleeping in separate rooms. And not only do separate beds rule out spontaneity, they also don’t promote a healthy sex life.

 

But a survey of English doctors found sex before bedtime is one of the best ways to guarantee a good night’s sleep. And research agrees.

 

Sex, it seems, may keep your body’s circadian clock ticking on time, helping you fall asleep at night and wake in the morning. And sex hormones may help regulate hormones that influence the much-needed REM sleep that’s responsible for learning, memory and feeling refreshed when you wake.

 

Here are some tips to help you and your Valentine enjoy sweet dreams that promote a healthy sex life—and a sizzling sex life that leads to sweet dreams:

 

Get a good night’s sleep. Make sure you’re well-rested so you’re ready for sex when the moment arrives.

 

Keep the kids out of your bed. Sleeping with the kids can limit adult “alone” time and make it tough for everyone to stretch out and be comfortable.

 

Rethink your sex schedule. Don’t think of sex as something that happens only in the evening. Many people have more energy for sex during the day or early in the evening. Experiment to discover what works best for your schedules and libidos. And remember, sex that’s put off until the end of the day might not happen, so put intimacy higher on your to-do list to increase the odds you’ll both sleep soundly tonight.