During winter, you might feel a stronger urge for intimacy, and there’s a scientific reason behind it, say sleep experts at MattressNextDay. According to Martin Seeley, CEO and sleep specialist at the firm, both our behaviour and biological rhythms shift as temperatures drop. “When the temperatures fall, we’re more likely to stay indoors with our partners, enjoying cosy nights in,” he explains. Seeley adds that testosterone levels tend to peak in October and November, potentially amplifying our drive for intimacy – perhaps contributing to the September birth peak seen each year.

Beyond enhancing relationships, an increased frequency of intimacy during winter could improve sleep. Studies reveal that sexual activity before bed can reduce sleep latency, or the time it takes to fall asleep, and lead to better overall sleep quality. One survey showed that 3 in 4 participants found intimacy to be as effective as sleep medication for improving rest, highlighting its significant sleep benefits.

In addition, Seeley points out that intimacy can counteract stress, a common sleep disruptor. “Sex has been shown to reduce cortisol, our primary stress hormone that can keep us awake. When you’re intimate, the body releases oxytocin and prolactin, which encourage relaxation and deeper sleep,” he notes.

Tips to boost intimacy and sleep quality

Seeley offers some advice on fostering an environment that promotes both connection and better rest. He recommends setting a relaxing mood with warm lighting, using blackout curtains to create a cocoon-like atmosphere, and eliminating screens from the bedroom. “A technology-free bedroom, free from work distractions, helps establish the bed as a place for sleep and intimacy, not stress,” Seeley advises. Such steps can transform the bedroom into a sanctuary, ideal for winding down and rekindling closeness.

• Use warm lighting in your bedroom. According to Martin: “Using warm, dim lighting can set the tone for improved sleep. Red light and other muted, orange lights can encourage the brain to relax and sleep.” These types of lights can also create a cosy atmosphere, further promoting intimacy between you and your partner.
• Try to keep the bedroom a technology-free zone . Martin encourages people to “try to get into the habit of placing your phones in a drawer – or the other side of the room – when getting into bed to encourage you to keep your bed a place for sleep and sex.” Try to do this at least 30 minutes before bed to also give your brain the time to wind down for sleep.
• Invest in blackout curtains and eliminate any sources of noise disruption or external noise. “Blackout curtains can not only improve sleep as they eliminate any sources of natural light, waking you up, but they can also create a cosy, cocoon-style environment for your bedroom”, says Martin. This can only help to create a romantic atmosphere in your bedroom.
• Leave work outside the bedroom. It’s important to keep work out of the bedroom. “Even just checking an email can take time away from your partner and lead to the bedroom becoming a place of work,” says Martin. Try to eliminate work activities before bed and allow your bedroom to become a place of calm and relaxation.