“It can be other things in the bedroom"
Winter may have an impact on libido and sex lives but even in the coldest months, couples can maintain intimacy by focusing on communication and redefining closeness.
Licensed sexologist and relationship therapist Sofie Roos, who is also an author at Passionerad, says reduced sexual desire rarely signals a lack of attraction or love.
She told DESIblitz: “Reduced lust is actually rarely about lack of attraction or a sign that you’re not in love anymore, but instead often caused by tiredness, stress, or that your hormones are affected by, for example, external factors such as the season.”
By talking openly about how each partner feels without blame, couples can better understand each other and find solutions that work for both.
Roos emphasises that intimacy extends beyond penetrative sex:
“It can be other things in the bedroom, such as oral [sex], using your hands, kiss and cuddle, but also non-sexual things such as massage, hugs, to sleep closer to each other or to spend quality time together.”
Expanding the definition of intimacy can relieve pressure and even help couples naturally reconnect with their sex drive over time.
There are practical steps partners can take together to keep desire alive during winter.
Roos reveals: “Take shared showers, sleep naked and go to sleep the same time, watch each other in the eyes and smile more often, ask more questions, spend more time to have deep conversations and take help of a sex or relationship game to get some conversation starters if needed.
“And try to invest in better quality time together, no matter if it’s cooking, learning a new hobby or reading a shared book out loud for each other.
“As it’s easy to feel down and depressed during winter, which makes people slip apart, this prevents that from happening as it will create a more loving and caring atmosphere that builds a stronger emotional connection, which is the foundation of keeping the sex drive alive!”
Individual routines are equally important.
Physical activity is particularly effective for boosting libido, whether it’s power walking, dancing, skiing, gym workouts, or even calmer exercises like yoga and slow walks outside.
These activities improve blood flow, release endorphins, and reduce stress, all of which enhance both mood and sexual interest. Sunlight exposure, even in brief winter hours, also plays a critical role.
Roos adds: “The more energy we have, the better chance for being interested in sex.”
Diet and nutrition further influence winter desire.
Meals balanced with healthy fats, protein, and slow-digesting carbohydrates help maintain stable energy levels, which the body interprets as a signal that it can prioritise sexual activity.
Foods rich in zinc, iron, and omega-3s, found in nuts, seeds, fatty fish, and legumes, support hormonal balance and prevent libido dips.
Roos also highlights the importance of vitamin D during the darker months.
She says:
“Limited sun hours leads to vitamin-D deficiency which can make us feel less interested in sex.”
Roos advises caution with supplements marketed as “libido boosters”, noting they rarely deliver results. Instead, focus on good nutrition, adequate sleep, stress management, exercise, and physical closeness with your partner, both sexually and non-sexually.
By combining honest communication, shared and individual intimacy practices, and lifestyle adjustments, couples can navigate the seasonal slump in sexual desire without damaging their connection.
For many, the winter months can become an opportunity to explore new forms of closeness and strengthen the foundations of long-term intimacy.
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