Sleep and sexual satisfaction in couples with matched and mismatched chronotypes: A dyadic cross-sectional study

Chronotype can be defined as an overt expression of circadian rhythmicity in an individual that dictates tendencies towards being a morning or evening person–also referred to as ‘morningness’ or ‘eveningness.’ Chronotypes generally impact preferred bed and wake times, in addition to a range of personal and social factors. This study examined how matching/mismatching chronotypes within relationships impact sexual satisfaction and sleep quality. A sample of 32 couples (52% females, 38.3 ± 11.7 years) each completed an online survey that assessed chronotype (reduced Morningness Eveningness Questionnaire), sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), and sexual satisfaction (Index of Sexual Satisfaction). Partner surveys were matched to identify whether chronotypes were matching or mismatching. Couples with matched chronotypes reported greater sexual satisfaction than those with mismatched chronotypes, F(1, 58) = 19.57, p < .001. Matched couples also reported better sleep quality than couples whose chronotypes were mismatched, F(1,62) = 48.02, p < .001. The individual chronotype did not seem to impact on sleep quality or sexual satisfaction. To improve sleep quality and sexual satisfaction, strategies (e.g., circadian phase advance or delay) could be used to increase circadian alignment between members of a couple.