0405 How Well Does Sexual Activity Improve Sleep When Compared With Pharmacologic Sleep Aids?

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Insomnia is a common sleep disorder with negative impacts on psychological and physical health. Films and books for the general public have commonly suggested that sexual activity is followed by increased sleep drive. Our initial survey was done to assess the perceived impact of sex and orgasm on sleep in people with insomnia in comparison to the use of sleeping pills. Methods An 8-question survey was created with Qualtrics. The link to the survey was shared via social media, including Twitter. Explanation was given about the purpose of the survey. Ages under 18 were excluded from the study. Results 53 individuals completed the survey, 53% were female. The survey skewed to younger adults, 89% between 25-49 years of age. 75% of respondents reported that they slept better after sex/orgasm close to bedtime and the majority reported a moderate improvement in sleep on those nights. Medication was utilized to improve sleep by 66% of the individuals. In comparison to sex/orgasm, the majority of those surveyed felt that medication had similar or worse effect on their sleep (64%). Conclusion This was a preliminary survey of a general audience about the impacts of sex/orgasm on sleep and the comparison to medications. It appears that sex/orgasm had a positive impact on sleep in both males and females in the surveyed population and was used not infrequently to improve sleep. Although this survey demonstrated largely positive impact of sex/orgasm on sleep, negative associations with sexual activity were not explored and people with these negative associations (such as those with sexual-related trauma) may not have been well represented. Limited research has been done about the relative impacts of sex and orgasm on the quality of sleep, however, this survey suggests that media depictions of falling asleep faster after sex may be accurate in the general population. Given the above findings, further thoughtful examination of the impact of sexual activity on sleep is warranted, recognizing that there are many in whom sexual activity prior to bedtime is a negative experience and may worsen sleep. Support (if any)