Sleep is soothing. But it’s also invigorating. It allows us to recharge and seize the day — day after day.
You know what else is invigorating? Sex. If you’re a woman of a certain age feeling left out in that department, sleep may be the way to get it back, according to experts who understand what you’re going through.
One of the best tools to improve your health is a good night’s sleep. And now, a new study has given women everywhere one more reason to make sure that we’re getting our rest…
A clear link between poor sleep and sexual dysfunction.
Common midlife problems
You see, during midlife and the time when a woman is transitioning into menopause, there are two common problems she’s likely to experience — sleep disorders and problems with sexual function.
Research shows that over 26 percent of women in this stage of life report significant sleep problems that hit the level of insomnia. That number goes up to almost 50 percent as she moves closer to menopause.
And during that same timeframe, a whopping 43 percent of women will also experience sexual problems.
Because of this, study after study has attempted to determine if there was a link between the two issues, but up to now, the evidence wasn’t clear.
The key is getting quality sleep
Now it’s crystal clear, thanks to new research published in Menopause, the journal of The North American Menopause Society.
The research, which followed more than 3,400 women with an average age of 53 took a deep dive into the potential associations between both sleep quality (how well you sleep) and duration (how long you sleep each night) to compare them to the risk of sexual dysfunction.
And they found that when it comes to keeping your sex life sexy, it’s sleep quality for the win.
According to the research, while the duration of sleep did not affect women’s sexual function, good sleep quality was linked with improved sexual activity. And not getting enough good quality sleep may lead to problems between the sheets.
How can you sleep better?
If you want to improve your sex life, you first have to improve your sleep.
Here are some easy tips to help:
- Make melatonin part of your nightly routine
Melatonin is a hormone produced by your body to help you sleep by regulating your circadian rhythm. However, as you age, your natural production goes down, making it more important to supplement.
The recommended dose is 0.5 mg to 3 mg an hour to an hour and a half before bed.
2. Try some turmeric
Studies show that the anti-depressant action of turmeric works to boost your body’s natural production and action of serotonin and dopamine – two neurotransmitters that help you relax to get a better night’s sleep.
Additionally, curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, is a potent antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties that could help ease aches and pains that keep you from falling and staying asleep.
3. Let your mind rest with L theanine
An amino acid found in green tea, L-Theanine helps you relax.
The reason why is the positive effect it has on those brain chemical messengers — neurotransmitters — that regulate stress, sleep and mood. Like turmeric, it also supports the production of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, so it can help you deal with issues like stress that keep you up at night.
So if you’re ready to take back your sex life and enjoy your time in the bedroom, focus on getting the sleep you need. And if things work out as planned, you might not mind delaying your bedtime for your revitalized sex life from time to time.
Sources:
Sleep and Chronic Disease — CDC
Antidepressant activity of curcumin: involvement of serotonin and dopamine system — SpringerLink
The acute effects of L-theanine in comparison with alprazolam on anticipatory anxiety in humans — NIH
Safety and anti-inflammatory activity of curcumin: a component of turmeric (Curcuma longa) — NIH
Melatonin: How Much Should I Take for a Good Night’s Rest? — Cleveland Clinic
A good night’s sleep could do wonders for your sex life — EurekAlert!