Low Libido?

calipirate · #1 (**permalink**) 06-22-2009, 03:08 PM

I don't know what's been going on lately, but I find myself having really low libido and desire toward my partner(im a guy in my 20s). Could it just be that it has become too routine? If so, what do you recommend?

Also, I don't know if it matters, but I haven't been getting much sleep as of late (I average 5-6 hours a night), would that have anything to do with it?

Brandye · #2 (**permalink**) 06-22-2009, 03:52 PM

Sleep deprivation is a major cause of low libido. Check out the rest of your life style - drinking, smoking, exercise, diet.

calipirate · #3 (**permalink**) 06-22-2009, 04:38 PM

That's definitely good to know about sleep... all the other factors in my life seem healthy (don't smoke or drink, exercise regularly, vegetarian diet, etc). I'm hoping it's just been the chronic lack of sleep.

EvilEvilKitten · #4 (**permalink**) 06-22-2009, 08:50 PM

Why aren't you sleeping?

calipirate · #5 (**permalink**) 06-23-2009, 06:09 PM

Well, I'm a really light sleeper, so I rarely get a good night sleep... but also because I'm a night owl, who unfortunately has to wake up early for work.

EvilEvilKitten · #6 (**permalink**) 06-23-2009, 06:35 PM

I'm afraid that you're going to have to adapt yourself to a morning lark schedule. Make sure you get a LOT of exercise during the afternoons and set your alarm for some ungodly hour - set two or three alarm clocks if you have to - placed where you have to get up to turn them off.

You have to make yourself so tired during the day that your body will force you to sleep.

Massdebator · #7 (**permalink**) 06-23-2009, 07:31 PM

The exercise the others suggested should help boost your libido on its own. Also, six hours of sleep should be sufficient for someone your age, although seven or eight might be better. Research is still inconclusive, from what I've read. Therefore, you might want to focus on the quality of your sleep over the quantity. You can do this by trying to eliminate noises or distractions that might wake you up (even if it means asking a roommate to help by keeping quieter at night), going to bed earlier and waking up earlier, trying not to go to sleep until your tired (which should be early if you follow EEK's advice), b/c laying around in bed just because you want to be sleepy won't help you fall asleep any faster, and by avoiding late-night activities that are too stimulating (sex excluded). Playing video games before bed will keep you up late, whereas a cup of hot tea and a book will help relax you.