Sleep Troubles Rising: A Worrying Trend in France
Sleep problems in France have surged in the aftermath of the pandemic. In fact, a CoviPrev survey conducted by Santé publique France (that’s the French public health authority) and updated on March 3, 2022, revealed something rather worrying: 70% of French people reported experiencing sleep issues over the previous eight days. That’s a whopping 21 percentage points higher than numbers recorded before COVID-19 came onto the scene. Understandably, restless nights have practically become the national pastime. Vive l’insomnie?
What’s a Nation To Do? Bedtime Tricks, French Style
The good news is, the French aren’t just losing sleep—they’re also finding creative ways to get it back. Some methods are pretty classic: monitoring when you wake up in the night, trying military-style relaxation techniques, or sipping orange blossom and marjoram infusions. Then there’s the approach that’s a bit spicier, and, as it turns out, surprisingly effective: having sex before bed.
- Keep an eye on the time of night awakenings
- Experiment with military relaxation techniques
- Try herbal remedies like orange blossom and marjoram
- Or—yes—enjoying some intimacy!
Snooze Like a (Happy) Baby: The French Bedroom Secret
According to a study by Emma – The Sleep Company conducted with French participants, sex could be a powerful ally in the quest for quality sleep. For 60% of those surveyed, making love is the activity most likely to lead to a good night’s rest. The popularity of this approach climbs even higher among the 35–44 age group (66%) and the 25–34 age group (65%). No wonder seven out of ten respondents say they sleep better after sex. Napoléon himself might have approved!
The Science Behind the Strategy
Why does this work? As Dr. Verena Senn, neurobiologist and Head of Sleep Research at Emma, explains, it’s all about hormones. During sexual activity, the body releases important hormones like oxytocin and prolactin, both of which boost feelings of pleasure and relaxation. Meanwhile, the stress hormone cortisol drops, making it easier to fall asleep.
“Sexual activity encourages the production of important hormones like oxytocin and prolactin, which bring a sense of pleasure and relaxation. At the same time, the level of cortisol—the stress hormone—drops, making it easier to fall asleep.”
As the saying goes, what goes around comes around—or in this case, what helps you sleep can also boost your love life. Dr. Senn adds:
“Getting good sleep reduces stress hormone levels in the body, which helps us be more physically present—a key factor for wanting sexual interactions and for our ability to reach orgasm.”
The reverse is also true, and it’s not all sweet dreams if you’re skimping on rest. Lack of sleep, or poor-quality sleep, can impair sexuality. Dr. Senn notes that this is especially true for men, as insufficient sleep can lower testosterone levels, reduce libido, and cut into sexual desire:
“Particularly in men, not sleeping enough can suppress testosterone levels, which reduces libido and sexual desire… Keeping a healthy sleep routine can improve our sex lives, but if sleep isn’t good enough, it could also make things worse.”
So, the French have turned a universal woe—insomnia—into a rather pleasant solution. Maybe it’s time to add a little romance to your bedtime routine. You might wake up more rested… and with a smile on your face.
John is a curious mind who loves to write about diverse topics. Passionate about sharing his thoughts and perspectives, he enjoys sparking conversations and encouraging discovery. For him, every subject is an invitation to discuss and learn.
