(105) What About the Pillow Talk? Exploring Gender Differences Between Quality of Sex and Time to Sleep

Abstract

Abstract Introduction The notion of a potential difference between men and women in post-coital time-to-sleep has received attention in mainstream media, perpetuating the stereotype that men fall asleep first (1-7). However, scientific literature on this topic is limited and inconclusive (8-10). It is imperative that we establish a clearer understanding of any potential gender differences in the time it takes to fall asleep after intercourse because sleep patterns and post-sexual experiences can significantly impact overall well-being, intimate relationships, and individuals' physical and mental health. Objective The primary objective of this study was to assess the relationship between quality of intercourse and post-coital time-to-sleep utilizing Fitbit wearable technology. The secondary goal of this study was to determine if gender impacts the relationship between quality of intercourse and post-coital time-to-sleep. Methods Healthy volunteers without underlying sexual dysfunction wore a Fitbit Versa 3 devices for 6 weeks. Participants, aged 18 and above, transmitted encrypted, de-identified data through the Fitbit app. Weekly online surveys recorded the number, timing, and type of sexual encounters. Fitbit devices measured heart rate during encounters, normalized to resting heart rate. Sleep data from the Fitbit devices was collected over the study period. Results A total of 14 representative sexual encounters (7 from each gender) were chosen, and linear regressions were conducted to examine the association between sexual satisfaction and sleep duration. The results revealed a statistically significant positive correlation between improved quality of sex and longer time to sleep after sex for men (r2 value = 0.8685, p value = 0.007). This correlation was not seen in women, and although not statistically significant, women trended in the opposite direction, with higher quality sexual encounters resulting in women taking shorter time to fall asleep. (36.16 minutes in males vs. 12.85 minutes in females). These findings suggest that the intensity and satisfaction of sexual experiences may influence the physiological and psychological arousal levels, leading to prolonged wakefulness and delayed onset of sleep in men. Conclusions Our study utilizing Fitbit wearable technology provides valuable insights into the relationship between gender differences, quality of intercourse, and post-coital time-to-sleep. Our findings suggest that there is a positive correlation between higher sexual activity satisfaction and longer time-to-sleep post-intercourse for men. In women, although not statistically significant, the trend was in the opposite direction with greater quality of sex leading to shortened time-to-sleep. These findings have significant implications for understanding the complex interplay between sexual experiences, sleep patterns, and overall well-being, highlighting the need for further research and tailored interventions to optimize sexual health and promote restful sleep for individuals of all genders. Disclosure No.