Plenty of seductive things happen in bedrooms, so it\u2019s not surprising to discover that intimacy and slumber are intertwined. And it turns out that not getting enough Z’s can negatively impact your love life, according to science. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Increased stress, irritability, and mood swings are just a few of the side effects of sleep deprivation in relationships, says\u00a0Funke Afolabi-Brown<\/a>, MD,\u00a0sleep medicine physician at The Restful Sleep Space.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep reading to learn more about how sleep deprivation affects relationships and get sleep tips for couples from experts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n How does lack of sleep affect relationships? A new UC Berkeley<\/a> study researched sleep deprivation in couples and found that after sleep loss, subjects reported feeling angry, argumentative, and frustrated with their overall relationships. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To make things worse, their capacity to manage and avoid conflict had also been diminished. Other effects of poor sleep include \u201cimpaired memory and cognition, anxiety<\/a>, depression<\/a>, and burnout<\/a>,\u201d all of which can hurt your relationship, according to Afolabi-Brown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u200bTo get some steamy and sleep-inducing tips for couples sleeping together, we turned to experts on sleep, natural health, and intimacy for answers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Research<\/a> shows increasing body temps in a bath<\/a> helps lull you into dreamland, and the restorative properties of magnesium<\/a> can naturally move that process along. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Try facing your partner on opposite sides of the tub. Begin winding down by speaking in a whisper. Gently suds each other up as you wash away the day\u2019s tension.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sip an\u00a0infusion<\/a>\u00a0made of\u00a0passion fruit or lemon balm\u2014or\u00a0combine them for a full-bodied slumber elixir. Each tea helps relieve stress and anxiety, naturally making you calmer and promoting sleep, explains\u00a0Tsao-lin Moy<\/a>, Chinese medicine specialist and founder of\u00a0Integrative Healing Arts<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n And turn up the heat by gazing into one another\u2019s eyes, suggests Alexandra Stockwell<\/a>, MD, relationship and intimacy coach and host of the Intimate Marriage Podcast. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Along with stroking each other’s back, neck, and shoulders,\u00a0Moy suggests massaging a special pressure point\u00a0along the base of the skull where the muscles attach, called\u00a0“peaceful sleep” (or\u00a0“Anmian”<\/a>), \u00a0which helps with\u00a0insomnia<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep in mind, the person massaged may fall asleep before a swap can happen, cautions Stockwell. “Oddly enough, the one who is more sleepy is better suited to give the massage to help the other one relax and let go of the day\u2019s stresses,\u201d she adds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Embrace your partner for at least 20 seconds, then take turns sharing things you appreciate about each other, says Stockwell.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n As you deepen your bond, inhale the lush earthy aroma of vetiver essential oil<\/a>. Moy likes its calming effects and recommends placing several drops in a diffuser or on cotton balls. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Allow your breathing to slow and release tension. Lie in bed, holding hands, \u201clistening to a guided meditation or instructions for breathwork<\/a>,\u201d suggests Stockwell. <\/p>\n\n\n\n She offers another option as well: \u201cWhile one person does breathing exercises<\/a>, the other can gently hold their feet. Then switch. This also contributes to connection and a feeling of intimacy.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n During sleep, you have the chance to restore mind-body balance,\u00a0giving you the bandwidth to interact with your partner lovingly and compassionately.\u00a0Proper rest\u00a0can also improve your mood and help regulate emotions, even\u00a0increase your sex drive<\/a>, says\u00a0Afolabi-Brown.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Instead of being frustrated by sleep loss, your attitude toward your partner is clearer and more optimistic.\u00a0\u201cSleep enhances emotional intelligence and patience,” says Stockwell\u2014and if disagreements happen, you can give each other the benefit of the doubt.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some may cuddle<\/a> and spoon, others prefer to stretch out in their own space. While research<\/a> shows couples sleep more soundly together than alone, like relationships themselves, the dynamic between every person is unique. That’s why it’s important to always communicate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If your partner has difficulty falling asleep, see if you can help. Take notice if your position is interfering with their comfort. Likewise, if you\u2019re having trouble, don’t be afraid to talk about it. And always stay mindful of one another\u2019s need for sleep. Your relationship will thank you. <\/p>\n\n\n\nHow does sleep affect relationships?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Sleep tips for couples<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Get sudsy in a magnesium soak<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Drink a romantic potion<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Give a massage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Create a sensual atmosphere<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Connect through breath<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Why is sleep important for relationships?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What is the most comfortable way for couples to sleep?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n