Intimately linked the relationship between sleep and sexual life is narrower than is believed, according to recent studies. (Photo: Shutterstock)
Ian Kerner
Editor's note: Ian Kerner is a partner therapist, writer and collaborator on CNN sex issues.
United States (CNN en Espanol).-If you think you're too tired to have sex, you're not alone. According to a new and exhaustive investigation, women over 50 years who sleep less than seven hours a day report being less sexually active than those who slept more, a problem that increases with age.
Sleep disorders can also interfere with sex. Researchers suggest that men with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, a condition that involves snoring and breathing difficulties, have lower levels of sexual activity, possibly because they produce fewer amounts of testosterone.

Sleep apnea can also increase the risk of cardiovascular problems, which may be related to sexual dysfunction.
But the opposite side also seems to be true: Another recent study that investigated the impact of sleep and sex on college students, he found that for those in affective relationships, every hour of more than sleeping corresponded to greater sexual desire, more vaginal lubrication and a 14% increase in chances of being excited the next day.
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That's probably because a good night's sleep leaves us refreshed, relaxed and energetic, which is important to feel sexy.
"This type of study is based on previous research that demonstrates that people's lifestyle and behaviors influence their sex life," says Debby Herbenick, associate professor at Indiana University and president of the American Association of Sexual Educators, counselors and therapists.
Eating, exercising and stress levels also influence our behavior and performance in bed, sexual desire and interest in sex. But sleeping is one of the major categories, to a large extent under our control, ensures the study.
"For example, a study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine showed that sleep apnea is related to sexual difficulties including erectile dysfunction and more global sexual difficulties." Another suggested that among the many reasons why menopause impacts our sex life is due to lack of sleep. And one more of the 2015 showed that women who sleep more at night are more likely to have a greater sexual desire the next day. "It is clear that sex and sleep are intimately related," says Herbenick.
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Although some couples use fatigue as an excuse not to have sex before they recognize that they have more serious partner problems, that is not always the case.
"Being tired is the number one reason women are blamed for their lack of desire," says Florida University professor of psychology Laurie Mintz.
Of course, if you were stingy with your hours of sleep and are in a bad mood and feel exhausted, it is very likely that the last thing you want to do is to have an intense love day.
The cycle of sex and sleep
Ironically, a sexual drought can make the dream worse, which will put you in a vicious circle of irritability. That's because sex helps us relax and yes, to fall asleep.
Do you remember the classic stereotype of the man who falls deeply asleep immediately after sex? There's a lot of truth to it, for both men and women.
To a large extent, the explanations for this are chemical. After orgasm, the bodies release large amounts of oxytocin, the so-called "hug or affection hormone," which reduce stress hormone levels (cortisol) and result in deep relaxation, the report says.
But sex and sleep are also related in other ways. To be able to fall asleep, we need to let go, says Lawrence Siegel, sexologist certificate from the Sage Institute for Family Development. Sex is similar, particularly for women, who usually need to be relaxed to have an orgasm.
How to break the cycle of not sleeping and not having sex?
First, I recommend following a few basic steps to promote good sleep hygiene: Make sure your mattress and pillow are comfortable, decreases the lights at least an hour before you go to bed and uses a background sound machine (or white noise) If your room is noisy.
Try not to use your cell phone, tablet or any other electronic device in bed, as your light can interfere with your sleep. Make sure you're not using those gadgets to evade intimacy,A common tactic in people who feel nervous about sex, according to the Certified Sexual therapist and family therapist, Amanda Pasciucco.