Getting A Good Night's Sleep Leads To A Better Sex Life During The Menopause

Read about the author Samantha Evans

Getting a good night’s sleep is essential to boost our health and ­wellbeing, allowing our bodies the chance to replace and repair cells, to keep us healthy.

Sleep disturbance is a common symptom for women during the menopause and beyond, which in turn, may lead to heart disease, high blood pressure and depression. Night time sweats can make it difficult and uncomfortable to sleep.

New research published in January 2017 in Menopause, the journal of the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) found that disturbed sleep also impacted upon levels of sexual satisfaction too.

Many women struggle with their sex life during the menopause, but there are many ways to overcome sexual issues such as vaginal dryness, decreased sexual sensation and vaginal tightness, in addition to low libido

This research analyzed data from 93,668 women aged 50 to 79 years and found that short sleep duration, defined as less than 7-8 hours was associated with lower sexual satisfaction and less sexual activity. Older women in the study were less likely to be sexually active if they slept fewer than 7-8 hours each night compared to younger women. The women aged 70 and over who slept less than 5 hours each night were 30% less likely to be sexually active than women who enjoyed between 7-8 hours of sleep nightly.

Addressing sleep disturbance problems during the menopause and beyond is important to ensure women enjoy good sexual satisfaction. This study found this can be achieved through using hormone therapy.

Wearing thinner night attire, sleeping under a sheet and keeping a glass of water on the bedside cupboard can help. Also, avoid snoozing during the day to help you sleep longer at night.

This may seem strange in an article about how sleep deprivation can lead to less sex but having sex and enjoying an orgasm together or during solo play can also improve the quality of your sleep as the release of feel good endorphins can induce a state of relaxation, much more fun than popping a sleeping tablet!