Erectile Dysfunction is a seriously debilitating issue that causes health and interpersonal problems for men worldwide. Although ED is mainly caused by underlying health issues, and we have all heard of drugs like Generic Viagra and Generic Cialis as possible treatments, it is now understood that a lack of sleep can also cause ED.
People diagnosed with sleeping disorders can experience various symptoms of ED. This may include reduced sex drive (libido), inability to get an erection and an inability to perform (maintain an erection). Sleep deprivation is caused when you get less than your optimal sleep period, which for adults is approximately 7-9 hours per day. Although a couple of nights of sleep deprivation will not lead you to develop ED, you may feel less libido during that time. However, if your sleep worsens and becomes chronic sleep deprivation, it may become a cause of ED and reduced libido.
To understand how sleep can cause such severe issues as ED, let us discuss in detail why sleep is vital for the human body, how it can affect the sex drive and how we can fix our sleep cycle to improve our sex lives.
Lack of Sleep
Although many of us take it for granted, adequate and regular sleep is a big part of good overall health. The exact reason why human needs sleep is unknown. We have yet to fully understand how our brain can shut itself off for 7 to 8 hours and then be refreshed. The fact sleep is a thing is a blessing. However, there are many shortcomings and disadvantages of denying your mind and body good sleep. For example, some sleep research suggests that inadequate healthy sleep can lead to weight gain and is a factor in the national obesity crisis. In addition, lack of sleep can inhibit the clarity of thought.
The sleep stage known as REM (rapid eye movement) is believed to play a vital role in the mental processing and organisation of memory. With too little REM sleep, memory may suffer. Moreover, prolonged and inadequate healthy sleep may lead to cardiovascular disease. In the short term, sleep deficit can lead to daytime drowsiness, which can be dangerous.
Optimum Sleep
Our sleep works because our mind cycles between REM and non-REM sleep. Light non-REM sleep, deep non-REM sleep, light non-REM sleep, and roughly 90 minutes after first falling asleep, the first round of REM sleep may last 15 minutes. REM sleep is where most of the dreaming occurs. After which the cycle recurs, first non-REM sleep, light and deep and light, followed by another, somewhat longer round of REM sleep. The phases of deep non-REM sleep, when blood pressure drops, the heart rate slows, and body temperature is lowest, are believed to be the most refreshing and restorative periods of sleep.
Sleeping Disorders
Sleep can become disturbed not just by our lifestyle choices but also due to specific disorders. For example, people who have insomnia can have difficulty getting adequate sleep. Restless legs syndrome (RLS) causes uncomfortable sensations in the legs and an irresistible urge to move them. This can make it harder to fall asleep on time. Sleep apnea is another sleep disorder and a potentially dangerous one where breathing repeatedly stops and starts, disrupting sleep and causing daytime tiredness even after 8 hours of sleep.
Sleep Apnea And ED
One of the significant side effects of sleep apnea is that it creates cardiovascular issues linked to the same vascular issues responsible for maintaining an erection. In addition, sleep apnea can lead to poor circulation. ED is directly related to our vascular health as blood must circulate well to reach the penis. Men who suffer from sleep apnea are generally obese or overweight, so they are very liable to cardiovascular issues and ED. In addition, men with obstructive sleep apnea cannot breathe properly while sleeping, creating many related health issues.
A study took 207 men suffering from sleep apnea and examined their testosterone levels and whether they had ED. The study concluded that:
- 61% of men in the study suffered from ED
- 72% of men with severe sleep apnea have ED
- Subjects with severe sleep apnea had significantly lower testosterone levels than subjects with mild sleep apnea.
These results are consistent with other research done on sleep apnea and ED. It has also been well established that men who do not get enough sleep have much lower testosterone levels. That is why men in the fitness industry strongly recommend that sleep is essential for building muscles.
Interpersonal Conflicts
A lack of a proper sleep routine can affect more than just our physical bodies. More often than not, people who come to the doctor with complaints about intimacy issues also often have trouble sleeping. It is prevalent for men who have trouble sleeping to also face issues with getting or maintaining an erection, and it is nothing to be ashamed of. However, not addressing these issues can lead to severe problems in their relationship.
Some men sleep away from their partners to avoid disturbing them due to their sleeping problems. This can drive a wedge between the two individuals in the relationship leading to further issues. Without adequate communication, it can lead to an assumption of a lack of intimate interest. Many men tend to sleep on the couch until they can fall asleep or “fix” their sleep schedule. The fixing part can take time and effort. Keeping your partner in the loop and solving this issue together is essential.
Treating Sleeping Disorders
If you cannot get enough sleep during the week, it does not mean you can magically meet your body’s needs by sleeping an extra couple of hours on the weekend. Chances are, come Monday, you will continue to get inadequate sleep. This may be because you suffer from a sleep disorder. In that case, the best thing to do is first see a doctor. They can conduct a sleep study on you and get to the bottom of your sleeping issues. You may then be prescribed medication or even a sleeping device to aid you in falling asleep faster and ensuring your sleep is uninterrupted.
However, your lifestyle habits can just as quickly cause you not to get enough sleep. When establishing a healthy sleep schedule, you can keep the following things in mind.
- Go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning, including on the weekends.
- Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark, relaxing, and at a comfortable temperature.
- Keep away from electronic devices, such as TVs, computers, and smartphones.
Treatment For ED
ED can be a side effect of a hoard of underlying health issues. Psychological stressors or environmental factors can cause it. If need be, you can get medication.
ED medications are widely available today, and people like to Buy Generic Viagra and other similar drugs with ease. However, the recommendation is to seek the input of a health professional to determine the right medication options. ED could be due to underlying health issues that may require other treatments or psychological issues needing therapy. Only a doctor can find the exact cause, and if they deem it necessary, they will prescribe you the medication. These may range from Tadalafil Mylan, Levitra, Cialis Generic or Sildenafil Generic.
IQ Doctor
IQ Doctor is a fully licensed pharmacy that offers various ED medications. You can visit their website and get a free medical consultation to determine what may be suitable for you. Once you place your order, we will deliver the medication to your doorstep quickly and discreetly.
