It’s late and the possibility of actually catching eight hours of sleep looms over the bed.

But for many pajama-clad people in healthy relationships, there’s something else on their minds when they crawl under the covers at night.

And then the million-dollar question surfaces: Sex or sleep?

NBC 10’s Cherie Bank recently set out to settle the sleep-versus-sex debate, finding many health benefits to both sides of the argument.

Obviously, the pleasure part of good sex is obvious.

Sex can also help people lose weight, ease pain and relieve stress.

“It increases your endorphins. It helps with relaxation and anxiety,” gynecologist Dr. Kara Nakisbendi said.

Love-makers can also put in a preslumber workout, burning up to 300 calories an hour, according to Nakisbendi.

Bank said sleep may not seem quite as sexy as, well, sex, but it’s just as healthy.

Research shows that getting enough sleep makes people feel more rested and allows them to function with better memory, concentration and focus.

On the other hand, a lack of sleep could turn into a nightmare of a day, according to sleep specialist Dr. Donald Peterson.

“You can gain weight from being sleepless,” Peterson said.

If pressed for time, giving up sex for sleep to catch enough Z’s will allow one’s blood pressure to lower and kidneys to relax.

Sleep also guards against type 2 diabetes and allows the sleeper’s brain to recharge, doctors said.

Now, back to sex.

If your heart’s desire is carnal knowledge, know that lovemaking will boost immune systems, lower cholesterol and improve relationships, according to studies.

Some researchers even said there’s evidence that sex can reduce a man’s chance of developing prostate cancer.

So when time is at a premium, how should people decide which is the best use of time?

One man said at his age, he needs the eight hours of sleep.

Another would gladly give up a few hours of sleep in exchange for sex.

Then, there are those up in the air.

“It depends,” one woman said. “If I was really tired, then the sleep. If I need some, it would be the sex.”

And the doctor’s prescription?

He said he doesn’t see why the two should even interfere with each other.