How is your libido doing these days? Fine? Less than satisfactory? Less horny? With the days getting shorter, and winter setting up shop, you’re bound to be less horny, says Science.
Yes, there is actual scientific data that suggests that men’s libido takes a hit during the darkest months of the year. If you’re feeling less horny now than you did a couple of months ago, then it’s definitely the effect of the darker months setting in.
To that effect, Professor Andrea Fagiolini of the University of Siena in Italy explained that,
“In the Northern hemisphere, the body’s testosterone production naturally declines from November through April, and then rises steadily through the spring and summer with a peak in October.”
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This is because testosterone plays a huge role in men’s overall sexual arousal and satisfaction. So basically what Science is saying is that men experience a lack of interest in sex from just after Halloween till about April Fools’ Day, following which, it picks up and reaches a peak at around October.
But is there a way to fix this? Apparently, there is. A team of scientists at the University of Siena, including Professor Fagiolini have been studying this phenomenon, and have found a possible solution, light therapy. In light therapy, a person is exposed to bright light regularly. And the study suggests that the light therapy can increase men’s testosterone levels, leading to significantly higher sexual satisfaction rates.
The study was presented at Vienna’s European College of Neuropsychopharmacology. For the study, Professor Fagiolini’s team enlisted 38 men, who were all suffering from hypoactive sexual desire disorder or sexual arousal disorder. These men were split into two groups, with one group receiving regular treatment with a light box, where they were exposed to bright light for 30 minutes every morning. The scientists found that after just two weeks of treatment, the men noted a significant increase in their testosterone levels, shooting up to 3.6 ng/ml from 2.1 ng/ml.
Suggested read: Watching adult movies increases risk of divorce by double, says Science
Additionally, the group which received the light therapy, reported that they were enjoying sex a lot more too. Before the treatment, the group’s average sexual satisfaction score was a 2 out of 10, which soared to a 6.3 post treatment.
Explaining the huge role light has on increasing sexual satisfaction, Professor Fagiolini said,
“We believe that there may be several explanations to explain the underlying mechanism. For instance, light therapy inhibits the pineal gland in the centre of the brain and this may allow the production of more testosterone, and there are probably other hormonal effects.”
The research team also pointed out that,
“We’re not yet at the stage where we can recommend this as a clinical treatment. However, if this treatment can be shown to work in a larger study, then light therapy may offer a way forward.”
So now you know what to do when you man shows a decided lack of interest in sex during the darker months – get him out of the house in the mornings to soak up some bright sunlight! Apart from boosting his libido, it will also give him the opportunity to soak up some Vitamin D and fresh air. Win-win, no?
Featured image source: Shutterstock
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