• Sleep deprivation has been associated with reduced sexual desire and arousal in women.

  • 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.

  • 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. Studies have also shown that OSA is tied to sexual dysfunction in women.

  • Working non-standard hours, known as shift work, also has been linked to erectile dysfunction. 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.

  • 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 and men 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, fostering an emotional state that heightens stress, 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. Sleep deprivation may raise the risk of risky sexual behaviour 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, 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.

Sources: The Sleep Foundation | Wikipedia | National Library of Medicine