4 reasons why you’re not ‘in the mood’

As we age it may start to seem like intimacy is a thing for the younger generation. Maybe you’ve been married for years and the spark is beginning to fade. Maybe you’re just too tired or too achy to have the get-up-and-go you once had. There are many reasons why we simply don’t feel in the mood, but it doesn’t mean they can’t be overcome.

Here are some common reasons – besides a busy schedule – which prevent us from being intimate with our partner.

Habits preventing your intimacy

Lack of sleep: Lack of sleep and sleep disturbances are quite common – especially as we get older. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates 50 to 70 million American adults have sleep or wakefulness disorder. In fact, they have deemed lack of sleep an epidemic!

Lack of sleep can affect the body in numerous ways; it can affect mental clarity, cause fatigue and even make you more prone to illness. Sleep is essential for everyday functions; therefore, a lack of it can impede your sex life.

In order to boost your intimacy and improve your sleep, it’s important to understand and recognize the cause of your sleep problems. You can get tested for specific sleep disorders or look to your diet for some clues as to why you’re not sleeping – maybe stay away from that late night coffee? Once you determine the cause of your sleep problems you can better begin to treat it.

Lack of exercise: If you’re too tired for sex you’re probably also too tired to exercise, but exercise holds so many benefits to health, no matter your age. If you used to go for that evening stroll or daytime jog you can remember how great it made you feel – and how much more energy you had.

Exercise is also great to help rev up your sex drive. Research suggests that exercise can promote blood flow to the sex organs and all over the body, so you’ll be ready when the moment arises. Luckily, it doesn’t have to be rigorous exercise, a simple 30-minute stroll is enough to get the body pumping.
Lack of vitamins: If you don’t eat a balanced diet you could be depriving yourself of essential nutrients – nutrients which work with your sex drive. Ever heard that oysters can get you in the mood? Well, if you’ve ever wondered why, it’s because they contain zinc. Zinc is important for male sexual health, along with B vitamins which can be found in chicken, tuna and salmon. You may want to adjust your diet if your mojo has taken a hit. If you’re concerned about any vitamin or nutrient deficiencies you can always request a simple blood test.

Medications: Maybe in your older years you’re taking a slew of medications for a variety of conditions. Well, those same medications which aid in one condition can be robbing you of your sexual health. Although many medications list their side effects, the FDA does not require medications to list side effects associated with sexual drive or performance.

One type of medication which can drastically lower your sex drive is antidepressants. Antihistamines can be the culprit for your lack of bedroom activity as well. If you’re concerned your medications are to blame for your lack of intimacy speak with your doctor for alternatives.

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Sources:
http://www.prevention.com/sex/habits-cause-bad-sex
http://www.cdc.gov/features/dssleep/