Better sleep linked to higher libido among women in University of Michigan Research

Women who sleep more than average, have higher libido, according to latest study results released by research team at the University of Michigan Sleep and Circadian Research Laboratory. The research team asked 171 female participants to record their sleep pattern, time and sexual desire for two weeks.

Over the two weeks, level of arousal, quality of sleep, sleep hours and sexual activity during the last 24 hours was recorded on a daily basis. Women who slept an hour extra than average, were found with higher sexual desire.

After having a better sleep, the chance of engaging in sexual activity was higher by 14 percent, the next day. The research team also accounted for tiredness, age and feelings of happiness or sadness among the study individuals. The research team has not indicated anything regarding what could be reason for heightened sexual desire. Earlier studies have linked sleep with change in hormone levels, which could increase libido.

Study lead author David Kalmbach said, “Our study showed that good sleep is important for healthy sexual desire and arousal in women, even when women are mentally and medically healthy. I think these findings suggest that taking a closer look at sleep health in women with sexual complaints is a worthwhile endeavor as poor sleep may lead to sexual problems."

The detailed study results have been published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.