Skip to content
WebMD: Better Information. Better Health.
Other search tools:Symptoms|Doctors|Videos
Font Size
A
A
A

Top 5 Reasons for Skipping Sex

Too Tired, Sick Are the Most Common Reasons, Poll Shows
By Miranda Hitti
WebMD Health News
Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

Feb. 10, 2009 -- Being tired or needing sleep are the top reasons for skipping sex, a new poll shows.

The national poll, conducted by phone in January by the Consumer Reports National Research Center, included 1,000 adults 18-75. Women made up 52% of the group. Most participants, 57%, were married or living with a partner, and 48% have kids younger than 18 living at home.

Most participants, 81%, said they sometimes avoided sex last year. Here are their top five reasons for not having sex, along with the percentage of participants who chose that reason (they could choose more than one reason for not having sex):

  1. Too tired or need sleep: 53%
  2. Not feeling well or health reasons: 49%
  3. Not in the mood: 40%
  4. Taking care of children and/or pets: 30%
  5. Work: 29%

The flagging economy wasn't one of their reasons. Of the 595 participants who reported being sexually active in 2008, 78% said that the economy hadn't affected how often they have sex.

Other findings from the survey include:

  • 45% of sexually active participants say they've ever planned a time to have sex with their partners, but only 7% schedule sex on their calendar or PDA.
  • 56% of men said they think about sex daily, compared to 19% of women
  • People who rate their health as "poor" are less likely to have sex, but they're not less likely to think about sex.
  • Parents of kids younger than 18 were more likely to report having sex in 2008 than people not living with children.

 

sex & relationships newsletter

Sign up today for WebMD's Sex & Relationships newsletter and get trusted information that will help keep your relationships healthy and balanced.

Love at
First Sight

Give your new pet
the best care.

webMD Video

Show or hide information about video: Better Sex Exercises   Better Sex Exercises

Sure, it can tone and make your body more attractive, but did you know exercise can also improve your sex life?

Watch Video: Better Sex Exercises (opens in a new window)

Show or hide information about video: Dr. Ruth's Sex Advice for Single Women   Dr. Ruth's Sex Advice for Single Women

Show or hide information about video: When to See a Sex Therapist   When to See a Sex Therapist

Show or hide information about video: Does Porn Hurt a Relationship?   Does Porn Hurt a Relationship?

Show or hide information about video: Easier Birth Control   Easier Birth Control