Introduction
Sex and sexuality play a very important role in a healthy individual. Sexual health involves physical health, emotional relationships, and a better quality of life. Both sex and sleep play a major role in overall wellness. The link between sleep and sex is largely understudied. Some studies have shown that sexual acts and sleep, both activities associated with the bed, traditionally impact each other.
What Are the Elements of Healthy Sleep and Sex?
Both sleep and sex are very complex and involve both the mind and body. Understanding the elements of healthy sleep and sex can help to understand their connection.
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Sleep: Sleep is important for recovery. Sleeping seven hours per night is very important as it helps the body to rest. The quality of sleep is very important. A normal night’s sleep is all about various sleep cycles, each with its stages. Continuous sleep without any interruptions or disturbance makes these stages unfold properly. However, there are gender and sex-related variations that can vary the ability to sleep well.
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Sex: Similar to sleep, even sex has various elements. In proper sexual functioning, both genders can experience the following four stages.
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Motivation or desire for sex, also called libido.
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Excitement and arousal which causes physical reactions like blood flow to the penis or clitoris.
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Orgasm, which is the climax.
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The resolution includes relaxation and positive feelings.
When any of the above stages get disturbed, then it can result in sexual dysfunction. Some acts of sexual dysfunction are
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Lack of interest.
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Reduced arousal.
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The inability of the person to experience the climax.
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Sexual acts that are painful and are not enjoyable.
All these issues may be physical, but in most cases, they are emotional, mental, or relationship problems that impact normal sexual activity.
How Does Sex Influence Sleep?
After an orgasm, both males and females will have increased levels of certain hormones, which help the person to feel relaxed. Men usually experience a higher level of release of these hormones, which makes them sleep faster than women after a sexual act. One of the major hormones is prolactin, which reduces dopamine, a neurotransmitter that makes the person feel awake. Both men and women release prolactin, but men usually produce it more after an orgasm. This makes the males more tired and tend to sleep quicker than women.
Why Is Getting Good Sleep Essential for Sex Life?
Sleep plays a major role in sexual life by replenishing the internal supply of nitric acid. This nitric acid is essential for healthy tissue functioning as it widens the blood vessels and enhances blood flow. In the case of arousal and erection, blood flow is very important. So nitric acid is important in the case of erectile dysfunction and sexual health. Usually, lack of sleep can lower the libido and can result in erectile dysfunction. Many sleep conditions are related to sexual health, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which causes repeated breathing issues that can disturb sleep. This condition is seen to be related to an increased risk of erectile dysfunction. A person working during non-standard hours, such as shift work, can impact the circadian rhythm and can enhance the risk of sexual dysfunction. Lack of sleep can affect the sex life due to its impact on mental health. Lack of sleep can also make the person make inappropriate decisions, which can result in risky sexual behaviors, which can result in sexually transmitted diseases or unplanned pregnancies.
What Are the Methods by Which Sleep and Sex Can Be Enhanced?
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Sleeping problems and disorders can be caused due to underlying sleep issues such as sleep apnea. But by treating such conditions, sleep can improve as well as sex. Sleep hygiene is very important, including a sleeping environment and regular habits that impact sleep to improve sleep quality. Some methods to strengthen the sleep cycle are:
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Make the bedroom comfortable by setting a comfortable temperature, using dim and warm lighting, a pleasant smell, and a comfortable mattress.
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Eliminating sleep-disturbing sources such as noise or light. Blackout curtains, a sleep mask, headphones, or earplugs can help.
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Properly maintaining a sleep schedule even on non-working days. The ultimate goal should be the same bedtime and waking-up time.
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Those things that can interfere with sleep should be avoided, such as alcohol, tobacco, heavy meals, caffeine, and long naps in the evening.
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The bedroom should be set up as a technology-free zone. This includes putting away mobile phones, laptops, and other gadgets at least 30 minutes before sleeping.
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There should be some physical activity every day and regular exposure to natural light.
How to Give Importance to Sexual Health and Sleep?
Improved sexual health involves regular and satisfying sex, which improves wellness and improves sleep. With any sort of sleep issues, it is better to consult with the doctor regarding any issues related to sexual dysfunction or sexual health. Most people feel uncomfortable discussing things with the doctor, but it is better to open up during consultations. For some couples, sex therapy can improve sexual intimacy and fulfillment.
How Do Men Act After Sexual Activity?
Most of the men go straight to sleep after sex. There is a biological reason for this act; as they enjoy sexual activity, many hormones are produced in the body, but there will be high amounts of prolactin after ejaculation. This hormone is related to sexual satisfaction and also plays a role in the refractory period post-sex. This is the reason why men usually prefer sleeping right after sex.
How Do Women Act After Sexual Activity?
Women also experience the effects of prolactin, but not as much as men. A study shows that women show more estrogen levels.
Conclusion
Sex and sleep are interlinked and help each other for a person to have a healthy life. Sex enhances the release of prolactin hormone, which helps in better and faster sleep in men than in women. Proper sleep can result in enjoyable sex, whereas some sleep disorders can impact the sexual life. So, both good sleep and satisfying sexual acts go hand-in-hand.
