If youre feeling too tired for sex, dont stress.

Experts explain reasons why and ways to prioritize intimacy without sex.

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Listen, we get it.

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Being simply too tired for sex is very real, and you shouldnt feel guilty for feeling that way.

Many relationships go through periods where the people involved have less sex because theyre sleep deprived, says Deysach.

The best relationships can experience intimacy even without sex, Deysach adds.

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somatic sex expert, chief brand educator atForia, a sex and wellness company.

Here are some common reasons people might be too tired for sex regularly, as explained by the experts.

Self-esteem

Another reason someone could be too tired for sex could be due to low self-esteem, explainsR.

Inez Salcido-Kasteiner, MS, LMFT, atSoultenders Inc. ## What is intimacy?

A couple in bed, having an intimate kink experience.

Why do we need intimacy?

Intimacy is simply feeling close to your partner.

This can mean sexually, spiritually, or emotionally, or a combination of all three.

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People can survive without sex, but people cannot survive without intimacy.

What is The Missionary Sex Position?

Emotional intimacy is the glue that holds a couple together through thick and thin, says Read.

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somatic sex expert, chief brand educator atForia, a sex and wellness company.

Its like putting a houseplant in a shadowy corner and forgetting to water it.

Eventually, it will die from neglect, Read says.

There are many ways of remaining intimate with your partner without sex.

Two hands holding out two of the best bullet vibrators, according to testers and sex experts.

Read suggests focusing on small, daily habits, like intentional touch.

Why is my body rejecting sex?

Think of it like when youre feeling hungry.

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Your body is signaling to your brain to prioritize food over your other needs, at that moment.

Its like playing The Sims.

When your Sims bladder is about to burst: its almost like nothing else in the world matters.

How long is too long to wait for sex?

There is no such thing as too long without sex, Reeves says.

Everyones desires and ideal frequency are different, so theres no one-size-fits-all prescription.

Things to keep in mind if you find youre regularly too tired for sex

1.

More essential thanhowoften you have sex is communicatingaboutyour sex life, she says.

Remembering that there is no normal sexual frequency can also help alleviate any pressures, says Deysach.

Talk to your partner

Maybe you want to be having more sex.

Maybe you think your partner wants to be having more sex.

Maybe youre feeling guilty about how tired you are.

In any of these cases, Dr. Rubin suggests communication is the best path forward.

Using I statements is a great way to have the conversation, says Deysach.

This may sound a little mechanical, says Dr. Rubin.

But many couples report that the practice of scheduling sex has increased their intimacy and closeness with their partner.

Opt for something that works for both your schedules, likemidweek sexormorning sexif youre both morning people.

To be very clear, scheduling sex doesnt mean that youhaveto have sex during that blocked-off time.

After all, you should only have sex when everyone involved is giving their enthusiastic yes.

Rather, the time frame can be understood as a time block to prioritize intimacy.

And if youre looking for moretips for having sex when youre tired, youve got lots of options.

Instead, make a run at remember that sex doesnt have to always mean intercourse, says Deysach.

Talk to a healthcare provider

If youre really tired, talk to your provider.

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