IT’S that time of year again when we must start thinking about cranking up the heating.
But flicking on the thermostat won’t just cost you a pretty penny, it could also turn down the heat in your sex life.
Be careful not to overheat in the evenings[/caption]
Being too hot can negatively affect sperm quality and fertility.[/caption]
“Temperature plays a powerful role in our overall well-being, especially during the colder months.” Doctor Sophie Dix, Head of Medical Affairs for online pharmacy MedExpress, said.
“It can influence sleep, mood and stress levels – all of which impact sexual desire and performance.”
And while a bit of warmth can help get you in the mood, too much can have the opposite effect.
“Warmth promotes vasodilation (the widening of blood vessels), which increases blood flow to erogenous zones and supports sexual arousal,” Dr Sophie explained.
“However, like anything, balance is key.”
Research, published by Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2022, suggested that being too hot can negatively affect sperm quality and fertility.
“Therefore, being comfortably warm – not overheated – is probably the sweet spot for supporting sexual arousal,” the expert added.
So instead of putting the heating on full whack, Dr Sophie said it is best to keep your home between 18–21C .
This temperature, she considered to be both “comfortable and energy-efficient”.
“It may also be the sweet-spot to boost your libido and help combat the winter blues,” she explained.
And it’s not just about how warm your home feels, when you turn up the heat matters too.
Men’s testosterone levels naturally peak in the morning, between 7–10am, making mornings the ‘prime time’ for intimacy.
“By turning the heating on for an hour, you’re creating the best environment to promote sexual wellness,” Dr Sophie said.
“Morning sex can also help combat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) by helping to boost mood and energy.”
She recommended setting your heating to come on just before you wake up.
This is so the bedroom is comfortably warm when you’re most hormonally primed.
When to cool down
But be careful not to overheat in the evenings.
“As well as the direct link between being too hot and reduced libido – bedrooms that are too hot (above 21C) can also disrupt REM sleep, which negatively affects our energy and mood,” Dr Sophie said.
Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep is best known for its association with vivid dreaming.
It is an essential part of sleep as it helps with brain development and emotional regulation.
A study published in Nutrients last year found that not getting enough sleep can disrupt testosterone levels, the male hormone.
“This can directly impact libido and sexual desire,” the expert said.
“Keep evenings cosy, but turn the heating down at night for restorative sleep.”
So if you want to stay hot under the covers this winter, it might be time to give your thermostat – and your sex life – a little fine-tuning.
NHS advice for keeping warm
Keeping warm over the winter months can help to prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression.
As well as heating your home to at least 18°C, particularly in the rooms that you regularly use, you should keep your bedroom windows closed at night.
You should also make sure you’re getting all the help that you’re entitled to. There are grants, benefits and advice available to make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating or help with bills.
Remember that other people, such as older neighbours, friends and family members, may need some extra help over the winter.
Keep in touch with your friends, neighbours and family and ask if they need any practical help, or if they’re feeling unwell.
Make sure they’re stocked up with enough food supplies for a few days, in case they cannot go out.
If they do need to go out in the cold, encourage them to wear shoes with a good grip and a scarf around the mouth to protect them from cold air, and to reduce their risk of chest infections.
Also, make sure they get any prescription medicines before the holiday period starts and if bad weather is forecast.
