Enhanced Sleep and Regular Exercise: Key to an Improved Sex Life?

Allowing your partner some extra z's might just be beneficial for your intimate life. A publication in the Journal of Sexual Medicine sheds light on the correlation between additional sleep and a more active and fulfilling sex life. This study, which focused on 171 female college students, explored the relationship between sleep duration, sexual desire, and sexual activity. Each participant shared details on their sleep patterns and sexual function daily for a fortnight.

The findings revealed that for every additional hour of sleep, women reported a surge in sexual desire and a 14% increase in the likelihood of engaging in sexual activity that day. Notably, a longer sleep duration was also associated with improved self-lubrication during intercourse.

However, it's important to acknowledge that sleep is not a panacea for sexual health issues. While an extra hour of slumber is beneficial, it isn't a substitute for professional medical advice, particularly for individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, or sexual dysfunction.

* It's worth noting that among the surveyed group, a majority identified as heterosexual or mostly heterosexual, with a small percentage identifying as bisexual or homosexual.

But what about the impact of exercise on your sex life?

The Benefits of Exercise for Sexual Well-being

• Blood Flow: Cardiovascular workouts not only boost your heart rate but also enhance blood circulation, which is crucial for arousal and maintaining erections in men and vaginal lubrication in women. Improved cardiovascular health ensures these functions are more effective.
• Stamina: High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and other forms of exercise can significantly increase your stamina. This improved endurance translates to longer-lasting performance in both physical activities and intimate encounters.
• Flexibility: Engaging in activities like yoga or pilates, or simply incorporating a good stretch post-workout, can expand your range of motion. This increased flexibility opens the door to a wider variety of sexual positions.
• Strength: Strengthening your muscles not only supports trying new positions but is also linked to intensified orgasms.
• Self Confidence: Regular physical activity releases endorphins and other feel-good chemicals in the brain, fostering a sense of achievement and boosting confidence — factors that can enhance your sex life.

Cardio Workouts for Endurance: For those seeking to boost their bedroom stamina, cardio exercises are recommended. They're associated with increased energy, better heart rate control, and enhanced blood circulation — all beneficial for sexual performance.

Moreover, cardiovascular exercise can help alleviate symptoms of erectile dysfunction, providing yet another incentive to get moving.

Recommended Activities: Brisk walking, jogging, swimming, cycling.

Strength Training for Sexual Prowess

Strength training can be particularly advantageous for positions that require supporting your own or your partner's body weight. For men, it boosts testosterone levels and the sex drive, while women may experience heightened arousal and more intense orgasms.

Recommended Activities: Exercises with dumbbells, kettlebells, and bodyweight training.

Yoga: The Sexual Enhancer

Yoga, which hails from the birthplace of Tantra, offers significant benefits to sexual health. It promotes balance, flexibility, and blood flow, while also nurturing a connection between the mind and body — elements that translate into a richer sexual experience.

Recommended Activities: Yogic breathing exercises, Child’s Pose, Downward Dog.