Sleep problems interfering with sex

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

According to a new survey, three quarters of Americans have some kind of sleep problem and sometimes it interferes with their sex life.
Sleep is important for health and wellbeing - so it is concerning to learn from the National Sleep Foundation that a high proportion of the US population has a sleep problem. Three quarters report problems like frequent waking or snoring. Most do not seek help.

Nearly one quarter of those in a relationship said they were often too sleepy for sex. And 77 per cent said their partner had a sleep-related problem like snoring. This may lead to people having to sleep apart. More than a third who described themselves as poor sleepers said it had an effect on intimate relationships, while only eight per cent of good sleepers had a problem.

What is more, 30 per cent of employed participants had missed work or made mistakes at work because of sleep-related problems. Sixty per cent had driven when sleepy and four per cent had had an accident or near-accident. On average, Americans get 6.9 hours sleep a night - an hour or so more might benefit them.

Source
National Sleep Foundation 29th March 2005

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