The mindbodygreen Podcast 603: The science of sleep, sex, & sharing a bed | Wendy Troxel, Ph.D.
Jun 22, 2025
Wendy Troxel, a licensed clinical psychologist and behavioral sleep medicine specialist, shares insights on the crucial role sleep plays in relationships and overall health. She highlights how poor sleep can impact sexual health and emotional connections in couples. The discussion includes coping strategies for sleep disturbances during menopause, the significance of sleep etiquette, and the need for better school start times for teens. Troxel also touches on the benefits of wearables in tracking sleep quality, emphasizing the connection between sleep and emotional well-being.
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Sleep's Vital Role in Healthspan
- Sleep is foundational to a rich, full life impacting physical, mental, and relational health.
- Almost no domain of healthspan functions better without good sleep.
Couples Face Diverse Sleep Challenges
- Sharing a bed is the largest daily time couples spend closely together, making sleep challenges common.
- Sleep issues can stem from snoring, temperature preferences, schedules, or sleep disorders, complicating couple dynamics.
Sleep Fuels Sexual and Relational Health
- Sleep quality significantly influences sexual health, affecting desire in women and testosterone levels in men.
- Good sleep enhances emotional regulation, communication, and empathy crucial for relationships.
