*Content reviewed by HotPause Health Medical Advisor and Sleep Medicine Specialist Dr. Kin Yuen

How Sleep Affects Sexual Health in Midlife

Spoiler alert: poor sleep can lead to sexual dysfunction. Not that shocking…if you’re not getting enough good, quality sleep, it’s a lot more likely that you aren’t all that interested in sex. As we navigate the complexities of midlife, understanding the intertwined relationship between our sleep habits and sexual health becomes crucial. HotPause Health sleep expert, Dr. Kin Yuen dives deep into recent research that sheds light on how sleep disorders, quality, and duration can significantly influence sexual dysfunction—a subject that often goes unnoticed in the hustle of daily life.

How The Study Was Conducted

A comprehensive meta-analysis reviewed the findings from 43 studies to assess how sleep impacts sexual health. This research provides us with the most robust insights to date into the link between our nightly rest and sexual functioning.

Key Findings About The Connection Between Sleep and Sexual Health:

1. Increased Risk of Sexual Dysfunction with Sleep Disorders: Individuals with sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea, were found to have nearly double the risk of experiencing sexual dysfunction, like low libido and erectile dysfunction. compared to those without sleep issues.
2. Impact of Poor Sleep Quality: Even if you don’t have a diagnosed sleep disorder, simply experiencing suboptimal sleep quality—such as not achieving the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep per night—was associated with a 49% higher risk of sexual dysfunction.
3. Short Sleep Duration Matters Too: Surprisingly, even slightly reducing your sleep duration, by even one hour, can increase your risk of sexual dysfunction by 14%.
4. Other studies have also shown that co-sleeping can also contribute to poor sleep.

Why Poor Sleep Can Affect Sexual Function in Menopause

These findings are a wake-up call (pun intended) for many of us dealing with the challenges of menopause and midlife transitions. Sexual health is a vital aspect of our overall well being, and understanding the role sleep plays is key to managing and improving our intimate lives.

What You Can Do About Poor Sleep:

• Evaluate Your Sleep: Start by assessing your sleep quality and duration. Simple tweaks in your bedtime routine can make a big difference.
• Seek Professional Advice: If you suspect you have a sleep disorder, consider consulting a sleep specialist. Addressing these issues can not only improve your sleep but also enhance your sexual health.
• Holistic Health Approach: Incorporate strategies that tackle both sleep and sexual health simultaneously. Consider lifestyle changes like regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management techniques.

Conclusion

At HotPause Health, we believe in empowering women with knowledge to make informed health choices. Recognizing the critical link between sleep and sexual function offers another tool in our kit to navigate the complex changes during midlife. Let’s not underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep for a healthy sexual life!