Sleep or Sex, a woman’s dilemma

We hear it so much. People would love to have sex more but they’re too tired. Between the persistent expectation to be working, on the go, traveling or managing children, people are just plain tired.

Sleep wins

No heart disease, please

Maybe women are responding to an urge to not die of heart disease.  One out of three women in America die of heart disease. And a recent study showed that women who slept five hours each night had a 45% higher risk of heart disease. More sleep also improves our metabolism, makes us less likely to be overweight, have diabetes or be depressed.

Sleep or sex? Sleep, the survey says.

The Better Sleep Council conducted a survey that indicated people preferred sleep over sex in a 3-2 margin. Women actually preferred sleeping 79% of the time. The good news is, this survey also said that 31% would give up TV watching. The question is, would you forego TV watching for sleep or sex?

Maybe nighttime ISN’T the right time?

Not all of us are wired for being sexual at night. It seems to make the most sense to do it then, of course, since a couple is usually in bed together. But libidos are as unique as any of our other characteristics. For some, nighttime is for sleep but morning sex is great. That is…if you’ve had enough sleep.

Sleep sounds pretty great, so why sex?

No more sick days (or less)

Having more sex boosts your immune system. It seems there are higher levels of immunoglobulin A in subjects who had sex three or more times per week. Sex also helps us sleep better and reduces stress, which also contribute to a stronger immune system. (Remember, you should still eat well and drink plenty of water, too.)

Less pain

The endorphins that are released at orgasm can help ease pain. So even if there isn’t a partner around, masturbation instead of Ibuprofin might be a different, and more satisfying, tactic.

Lighter, less painful periods

Orgasming during your period causes the uterus to contract, ridding the body of cramp-causing compounds. It can even make your period end faster.  It almost seems too good to be true. But, if you’re with a partner who doesn’t mind, you can put down a towel and choose a position you feel comfortable with.

For men, less chance of enlarged prostate

The facts are still a bit disputable but there seems to be a connection between ejaculation and reduced risk of an enlarged prostate. Men who reported ejaculating twenty or more times per month, were 33% less likely to develop prostate cancer than other men. Even if the jury isn’t completely in, it seems to be a good excuse to have more sex. In the very least, it doesn’t seem that more sex can damage the prostate. With over 220,000 new cases of prostate cancer per year in the US, men need all the help they can get.

 The choice is yours.

Maybe you need more sleep to enjoy sex. Or maybe you need more sex to enjoy sleep. Figuring out your sleep AND sex schedule can benefit your health, your relationship and your emotional well-being. Whether you’re spending more time in cozy sheets actively or restfully, it seems these two crucial activities can have positive improvements on our lives.