‘Our understanding of these relationships is advancing’: New review links sleep disorders and sexual dysfunction in women

It’s no secret that sleep is essential for well-being, but a growing body of research is revealing just how deep the connection runs. A new review sheds light on the powerful relationship between sleep and sexual health in women, and it’s changing the conversation around both.

Conducted by Monica Levy Andersen and Sergio Tufik, the review compiles evidence linking sleep disorders—such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and circadian rhythm disruptions—with reduced sexual desire, arousal difficulties, and lower satisfaction. 

The authors also explore how hormonal fluctuations, mental health concerns like anxiety and depression, and transitional life stages such as menopause or pregnancy can compound both sleep and sexual dysfunction.

One thing is clear: poor sleep quality is consistently associated with higher rates of sexual health concerns among women. As the researchers note, ‘our understanding of these relationships is advancing’, and they emphasize the importance of further research to uncover underlying mechanisms and improve treatment strategies.

This acknowledgment is particularly meaningful for those of us working in holistic fertility. For years, we’ve seen how broken sleep patterns can disrupt hormonal balance, emotional well-being, and reproductive potential.

The hope is that this growing scientific interest will inspire more integrated care approaches that support women’s health at every level—including fertility. And while more studies are still needed, we’re excited to see momentum building in this vital area of women’s health.

Reference: Andersen, M. L., & Tufik, S. (2025). Sleep disorders and sexual function in women. Maturitas, 180, 108625. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2025.108625

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