Sleep and Desire & Connection
Desire
Our bodies are magnificent interconnected beings, where one system influences the next, just like dominos. And when it comes to arousal, desire and libido, sleep is one of its considerable influences. Sleep deprivation has been found to be a direct contributor to erectile dysfunction, low libido and issues with fertility.
One study found that for every additional hour of sleep, women's libido and desire to have sex increased by 14%. Published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.
Fatigue
General fatigue and tiredness also play into the desire to have sex. Fatigue is most likely coming from insufficient, low-quality sleep and then the body becomes stressed because of sleep, the brain begins to suppress the production of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone in favour of stress hormones like cortisol. You begin to see how the cycle can go around.
Image by @bellathomas
Happiness
Sleep also plays an essential role in our dopamine receptors to make sure they are healthy and turned on. Dopamine is one of the wonderful hormones released after orgasm and a hormone that leads to more sexual desire and erection. Consequently, the more you begin to engage in more satisfying sex the more likely you are to want it more.
Image by @jelkavonlangen
The Connection
The link between the two becomes clear as the body's response to lack of sleep leads to lack of sex or poor quality sex, and then on the flip side, high quality, regular sleep leads to more satisfying sex and more desire to have it.
Image by @okrichie
