The relationship among oral contraceptive use, sleep, and sexual behavior
Faculty Advisor Name
Jeff Dyche
Department
Department of Graduate Psychology
Description
The purpose of this study was to discover if individuals taking oral contraceptives differed on measures of sleep and sexual behavior compared to those who are taking no form of birth control. Participants wore motion loggers every night for two-weeks to track their sleep and filled out a questionnaire every morning asking them about their sleep, sexual feelings, sexual behavior, and affect from the day before. Research in this area of study is very sparse and results are conflicting, therefore we aimed to obtain comprehensive information to derive a basic understanding on if sexual behavior variables and sleep variables are in fact related and the extent to which oral contraceptive use impacts either. Although the literature demonstrated inconsistent and conflicting findings that often lacked the inclusion of female participants focusing on the impact of estrogen and progesterone on sleep and sexual behavior, it is anticipated that during the mid-follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, when estrogen is known to increase, participants will demonstrate better sleep outcomes, greater sexual desire, and increased sexual behavior compared to the mid-luteal phase, when progesterone increases, and the late-luteal phase and menstruation, when estrogen and progesterone dip. Between users and non-users, it is anticipated that scores on the Female Sexual Functioning Index will be higher for users. Focusing on the correlational relationship between variables, it is predicted that measures of the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index, wake after sleep onset, sleep duration, and sexual desire will be significantly correlated. Results will be discussed during the presentation. Implications of the predicted results could encourage others to critically examine how oral contraceptives are impacting other major life areas aside from reduction of pregnancy risk and additional factors for consumption (e.g. acne, painful periods, heavy bleeding). Furthermore, results should lead to a greater understanding of the relationship and potential impact of commonly prescribed drugs as well as add to the scare literature. This study can encourage others to obtain more information on oral contraceptives and how the addition of exogenous hormones can affect major components of quality of life, such as sleep and sexual behavior.
The relationship among oral contraceptive use, sleep, and sexual behavior
The purpose of this study was to discover if individuals taking oral contraceptives differed on measures of sleep and sexual behavior compared to those who are taking no form of birth control. Participants wore motion loggers every night for two-weeks to track their sleep and filled out a questionnaire every morning asking them about their sleep, sexual feelings, sexual behavior, and affect from the day before. Research in this area of study is very sparse and results are conflicting, therefore we aimed to obtain comprehensive information to derive a basic understanding on if sexual behavior variables and sleep variables are in fact related and the extent to which oral contraceptive use impacts either. Although the literature demonstrated inconsistent and conflicting findings that often lacked the inclusion of female participants focusing on the impact of estrogen and progesterone on sleep and sexual behavior, it is anticipated that during the mid-follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, when estrogen is known to increase, participants will demonstrate better sleep outcomes, greater sexual desire, and increased sexual behavior compared to the mid-luteal phase, when progesterone increases, and the late-luteal phase and menstruation, when estrogen and progesterone dip. Between users and non-users, it is anticipated that scores on the Female Sexual Functioning Index will be higher for users. Focusing on the correlational relationship between variables, it is predicted that measures of the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index, wake after sleep onset, sleep duration, and sexual desire will be significantly correlated. Results will be discussed during the presentation. Implications of the predicted results could encourage others to critically examine how oral contraceptives are impacting other major life areas aside from reduction of pregnancy risk and additional factors for consumption (e.g. acne, painful periods, heavy bleeding). Furthermore, results should lead to a greater understanding of the relationship and potential impact of commonly prescribed drugs as well as add to the scare literature. This study can encourage others to obtain more information on oral contraceptives and how the addition of exogenous hormones can affect major components of quality of life, such as sleep and sexual behavior.
