What to do when you're too tired for sex

Think sexy thoughts

Sometimes it's the simplest things can make the biggest impact, so get inside your own head and think sexy thoughts. You may be in the mood before you know it!

Read a super sexy novel

It's easy to get caught up in the action when you pick up your favorite sexy novel. Read a few steamy pages and watch your desire for intimacy shoot through the roof.

Talk dirty

Channel your frisky feelings from when you were first dating your partner and tell him what you want to do to him. Or bring this foreplay into the 21st century and text each other your dirty thoughts, also known as sexting.

>>Learn how to flirt with text messaging

Don't wait

Once the kids are asleep, don't wait until you're ready for bed to begin the mattress mambo. Chances are you will both be too tired to get intimate if you wait until bedtime.

Morning quickie

Get it on before getting out of bed in the morning when you're refreshed. It's a great way to start the day!

Say no

Learn to cut down to overloading your schedule to reduce stress and fatigue. You'll find that you have more energy to say yes to hanky panky with your partner.

Ban television from your bedroom

Kicking the 10 o'clock news from your boudoir means getting down to business before you get too tired for sex. Find another way to unwind, like a glass of wine or a leisurely walk.

Mood-enhancing aromatherapy

Want to learn how to get in the mood by simply using your nose? Invest in some aromatherapy oils or candles and spice up the air with scents that will calm your nerves and get your sex drive in high gear.

Get some rest

Heighten your desire to make love with your partner by getting enough sleep. While you're in dreamland, your body secretes DHEA, which aids in the production of testosterone and estrogen. Both are key ingredients in your sex drive.

Plan for sex

Scheduling sex may not seem sexy, but making a date to make whoopee will keep intimacy with your partner a priority.

>>Check out these tips for making a sex schedule

Especially if sex is the last thing on your list, making it a priority could just save your relationship. "Nothing insures that your relationship will remain faithful better than a good, warm connection with great sex," advises Tina B. Tessina, Ph.D. -- aka "Dr. Romance" -- psychotherapist and author of Money, Sex and Kids: Stop Fighting about the Three Things That Can Ruin Your Marriage (Adams Media 2008).

Whenever you are too tired for sex, use these tips to boost your libido and celebrate the bond between you and the man you love.

Read more about keeping your marriage hot!

• 20 Ways to spice up your marriage after kids
• Marriage and sex tips for new parents
• The sex-starved marriage