How lack of sleep leads to erectile dysfunction

Most of us tend to cut down on sleep to meet our work targets or home responsibilities. But lack of sleep is known to have adverse effects on the brain, heart, weight and life in general.

In men, sleep deprivation is known to cause erectile dysfunction. Experts have severally shed light on how lack of sleep can lead to impotence in men. Getting quality sleep is significant in maintaining testosterone levels, which is vital in maintaining a man’s erection and s.e.xual life.

It is proven that most testosterone is produced while sleeping; highest levels are produced during REM (deep stages of sleep) sleep.

When a man is sleep-deprived, his testosterone levels drop to as much as 70 per cent. Thus, decrease in total sleep or disrupted sleep can impact s.e.xual function.

Studies have shown that sleep deprivation and sleep apnea(interrupted breathing while asleep) cause erectile dysfunction in more than 60 per cent of men.

Lack of sleep and sex life
Sleep deprivation is often associated with mood disorders, exhaustion and poor stamina. These factors have an impact on the s.e.xual performance and thus stall s.e.xual functioning and energy.

Problems with ejaculation (premature ejaculation an.d delayed ejaculation) are also experienced by some in such situations. Males who are deprived of sleep also tend to be aggressive and intolerable which in turn affects an intimate relationship. Lack of sleep also speeds up the ageing process which obstructs s.e.xual activities.

How to deal with it
If one experiences sleep deprivation, seeking medical help or discussing the matter with your partner and your doctor can switch things around. Men who have been treated for such cases have shown improvement in sleep patterns which have progressively enhanced s.e.xual functions. Most men require at least 7-8 hours of sleep for testosterone to be produced; to maintain adequate s.e.xual function it is important to get good quality sleep.