A national survey published this month by Lancet has revealed a decline over the past decade in the frequency with which Britons are having sex. Findings indicate that the average Brit currently has sex less than five times a month.
The most likely contributing factors are thought to be the impact of the recession combined with the increasing presence of devices like smartphones and iPads in the bedroom.
The theory that technology is killing intimacy is supported by studies conducted in both the UK and the US, which suggest that many people forgo the opportunity to make love to their partners in order to continue using their mobile device.
Survey results published by AVG Technologies in May 2013 showed that 57% of American women choose to be on their phone rather than having sex. A similar study published by Vouchercodespro.co.uk in July 2013 suggested that British women also hamper their sex lives because of smartphone obsession. The investigation of 1,700 Britons found that more than 60% of women and half of all men checked their phones during sex.
Although technology has made it easier for many of us to work from anywhere in the world as long as we have an internet or telephone connection, it seems that it has made it more difficult for us to stop our work from spilling over into family, recreation and romance time.
Neuroscientists warn that this constant connectivity causes information overload, forcing the brain to function in a continuously hyper alert state, which makes it difficult for us to switch off both our electronic devices AND our minds before bed.
By taking our work into the bedroom we not only damage our sex lives, but also our ability to rest, recharge and get a good night's sleep. These factors all contribute towards the experience of burnout syndrome, currently being reported at an all time high and predicted by the World Health Organisation to become a global pandemic within the next ten years.
Loss of libido is a common symptom of burnout. Additional indicators include several physical, emotional, cognitive and behavioral signs including:
Physical: headaches, salt cravings, disturbed sleep, slow cold and flu recovery, exhaustion, irregular heartbeat, panic attacks, digestive problems, back pain, repetitive strain and respiratory problems.
Emotional: feelings of overwhelm, depression, anxiety, loneliness, inability to relax, irritability, restlessness and feeling drained by conversations with certain people.
Cognitive: difficulty concentrating, memory problems, reduced judgment and constant worrying.
Behavioral: frequently taking on more commitments than able to deliver on, patterns of overwork, difficulty saying "no", dependency on caffeine and/or other stimulant, overuse of cigarettes, alcohol or other drugs to relax, nervous habits and patterns of over-extending in relationships.
Want to rekindle your love life, get better sleep, reduce stress and beat burnout? Banish your phone and iPad from the bedroom.
NB: If you think you are burning out take the FREE 2 Minute Test at www.jaynemorris.com