Sex and the Seasons

Our first question comes to us from "Sarah" in Michigan.  Here's what the lovely lady has to say:

My boyfriend and I generally have a very good sex life, however, during the winter months it seems to come to a screeching halt.  We're talking going from three or four times a week to once if we're lucky.  We're still affectionate, it just seems that neither of us have the same kind of drive that we do during the summer.  Is this normal?  Is there anything we can do about it?

White Says:

Is it normal?  Absolutely.  There are a variety of physiological phenomena that cause your sex drive to hibernate with the bears (check out this article from Elle magazine), but it all comes down to two things:  cold and dark.  

If you really want to bring the heat back into your winters (pun intended), there are a few things you can do to trick your body into thinking it's getting more light and heat than it really is, such as increasing your time at the gym to raise your metabolic rate or indulging in a tanning bed for some extra UV exposure, but, if I'm reading correctly, these winters are not detrimental to your relationship.

Since it sounds like both of you are experiencing this annual cooling, don't put any pressure on yourselves to push through the slump.  Slip on those flannel pajamas, cuddle up next to the fireplace, and enjoy the down-time.

Red Says:

Well, I agree with White there that if both of you are experiencing the same thing, then as far as putting a strain on the relationship goes, there's nothing wrong with it. Many people are affected by seasonal changes; I know for myself, if it's cloudy and rainy for more than 3 days straight, I get really lethargic and just feel down. If you wanted to do something about it, I would suggest a couple of things. 

Exercise releases endorphins and adrenaline, which in post-workout, can lead to some awesome sex. Maybe you guys can start running together, followed by a warm shower together as well. Or just skip the shower all together until after you've enough of the post-workout endorphin rush. ;-) 

If it's really worrying you, there are types of light therapy you could add during those months to counteract the increased melatonin release due to the decreased hours of sunlight during the day. So in layman's terms, fewer hours of sunlight makes your body release more hormones to make you sleepy, which leads to a decreased sex drive. The light therapy usually involves being exposed to light directly for certain periods of time. I would recommend this option be done with a trained professional, otherwise you might just end up with a headache from staring a lamp for hours. 

My vote is for the exercise though. Besides, having your clothes fit better during the holiday season is a easy way to feel sexier.