I write a good deal about the importance of getting good sleep. I have long been convinced this is a huge marriage issue. Now I have a bit more science to back my belief. A new study (information here) shows a lack of sleep, or interrupted sleep, messes with emotion regulation. In other words being tired makes us cranky.

I realise this is a case of science proving something we all knew already. The question then is will this “proof” lead us to make changes?

If you and your hubby each get at least 7 hours of uninterrupted sleep a night you will both feel better. You will each be less likely to feel grumpy, and you will both be better able to put up with the things life throws you. This would be good for your marriage in many ways.

Of course making it happen could be a problem. We get too little sleep because we do too much. What would you be willing to cut out to get more sleep? Can you convince hubby to go along with the plan?

Then there’s the uninterrupted part. This could mean changes in when you drink caffeine or how much of anything you drink in the evening. It may require changing your evening habits. You might have to get room darkening shades or change the thermostat. Check out Sleeping Tips & Tricks from the National Sleep Foundation. (If you have a baby you can’t do this for a while – keep telling yourself it’s not forever and do all you can to be decent to each other despite the lack of good sleep.)

BTW: Studies show poor sleep results in men having significantly lower testosterone levels. If your hubby’s not up for all the sex you want, poor sleep could be a major factor.

~ Paul – I’m XY, and good sleep makes me a much better husband.

References: 

Sleep loss lowers testosterone in healthy young men | The University of Chicago Medicine 
Why lack of sleep is bad for your health | NHS Choices 
Sleep and Disease Risk | Healthy Sleep 
Sleep, Performance, and Public Safety | Healthy Sleep 

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