Nishmat's Women’s Health and HalachaIn memory of Chaya Mirel bat R' Avraham

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Daytime relations

16 October, 2005

Question:

My husband recently changed his job, as a result of which he comes home very late and is generally too tired to be interested in having relations at night. (By the time we go to sleep, I am generally too tired as well.) We seem to be falling into a pattern where often we will go to sleep, but then wake up early in the morning perhaps an hour or so before he has to get up at which point we are both very interested. This is working quite well, and neither of us have any complaints, but I am concerned about halachic restrictions regarding having relations during the day. I am not sure whether there is an actual restriction or just a preferred practice; I am also not sure what counts as day does it have to be complete daylight, or does it count as day even if it is dawn? If we get heavy blinds that completely block the light from outside, does that help?

There is no one I feel I can ask about these questions, so I was hoping you could help or point me to the relevant resources, as I have seen questions about similar subjects on this site in the past. Thank you.


Answer:

Having relations at night is, as you described it, a preferred practice. In your situation it is wonderful that you found a solution which is good for both of you. As long as the room is darkened with shades or heavy curtains (which are permanently attached), so there is no direct light on you, relations are permissible during the day.


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