Effects of Time on Sex
It is important to remember that you need good rest, preferably good sleep, in order to have good sex. Without good sleep you end up not having good sex or maybe no sex at all. Time plays a role in our sex life. While sex might not be every day, time is.
We all have 24 hours in the day to do a number of things such as work, sleep, and eat. Anything else is a bonus. Sex sometimes falls into this category. In this article we will be looking at three areas in how time affects us and our sex lives.
Effects of the time change during Equinox seasons.
- Time Change in the Spring – Spring forward
- Time Change in the Autumn – Fall backward
Across the world, many have to deal with this. It can take a few days to adjust, especially if you are a creature of habit. Forcing yourself to do everything earlier or later can be challenging at best. Sometimes our sex life does not always cooperate the way we wish it to.
Effects of traveling up and down and across the time zone.
- Business – Approximately 51% of the world’s population commute. People commute by private car or public transportation: bus, train, or plane.
- Pleasure – Approximately 79% of the world population have taken trips.
Have you ever said when you get home from work or a trip that you need a vacation? One can understand coming home after a long day’s work and saying such a thing, but many say it after a vacation. Why is that? Could it be that the trip was fun filled and one is just exhausted from that?
Possibly, but in truth, the act of traveling, whether for business or pleasure, can take a toll on us. When traveling through multiple time zones it can lead to exhaustion, known as ‘jet lag’. This is because our bodies have a natural sleep-wake cycle called circadian rhythm. It can take us some time to get our libido back up to where we want to have sex.
Effects of daily work schedules.
- Standard Schedule – 9 am to 5 pm
- Fixed Schedule – Set Everyday
- Full-Time Schedule – 8 Hour Day
- Part-Time Schedule – Work less hours then 8 hours a day.
- Shift Schedule – Includes: Morning Shift 7 am to 3 pm, Afternoon Shift 3 pm to 11pm, Night Shift 11 pm to 7 pm
- Split Shift – One works two separate partial shifts on the same day
Trying to keep up with time during work is a tough feat. Add schedule changes to the mix and you have introduced another time element that can and does affect your down time. We all recognize the time it takes us to get to work and the time needed to destress when work is done. With any disruption of our schedules, we may have to adjust to make time for sex.
What do all three of these time elements have in common?
Symptoms that include fatigue, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, daytime drowsiness, irritability, and low libido. It should be noted that either partner can have issues with not wanting to have sex due to being exhausted and/or stressed.
What can you do to help yourself in getting great sleep which can lead to you having better sex?
- Acclimate to the new time, gradually adjust your sleep schedule in the days leading up to travel, expose yourself to light at the appropriate times for your destination, and try to eat and sleep according to the new schedule as soon as possible.
- Start shifting your bedtime and wake-up time by 15-30 minutes earlier or later each day
- If traveling east, expose yourself to morning light, and if you are traveling west, expose yourself to evening light. The same can be said about a new work schedule and falling back or springing forward, adjust yourself to the light.
- Drink plenty of water along with not eating large and heavy meals. Avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine especially before you sleep. This can help your body adjust to the new time zone.
- Get some exercise during the day.
- Do meditation or deep breathing for relaxation to help you wind down.
- If you are still having trouble sleeping, consider taking melatonin. It is a hormone that regulates sleep. Always talk to your doctor first before trying.
While there is no best time of day to have sex, the research suggests that morning between 7 am and 9 am is often a prime time for sex because of the higher testosterone and estrogen levels and the increased energy and hormones like dopamine and oxytocin that are in our systems after a good night’s sleep. No matter what time you end up having sex, just know there is hope. Your body should work itself back in a few days to your old self. As always, have fun and keep it consensual.