Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder affecting millions of people. It is characterized by frequent breathing interruptions during sleep and can lead to other serious health conditions like heart disease and stroke. What’s more, sleep apnea affects testosterone and oxygen levels which may cause erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. That said, if you suspect you might have sleep apnea or ED, continue reading this article to find out more.
Sleep Apnea and Erectile Dysfunction
According to research, men with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the most common type of sleep apnea, have a higher risk of erectile dysfunction, and vice versa. Let’s see what the research says!
One study showed that a whopping 69% of men with OSA who participated in the study, also suffered from ED. Another study found that about 60% of participants also had ED, while 47% of men without OSA had ED.
Similarly, a survey of more than 120 men with erectile dysfunction reported 55% of participants having sleep apnea symptoms suggesting that those with ED have a higher risk of suffering from sleep disorders.
Sleep Apnea and Testosterone
Even though scientists still don’t know the exact cause and link between sleep apnea and erectile dysfunction, statistics show that men with OSA are at a higher risk of having ED.
One potential cause may be the link between lack of sleep and testosterone levels. Namely, lack of sleep can lower testosterone levels significantly as well as restrict oxygen. And, both testosterone and oxygen are extremely important for healthy erections. Plus, research suggests that stress and fatigue caused by sleep deprivation may also worsen sexual issues.
Furthermore, although there’s no evidence that sleep apnea affects the production of the hormone testosterone, research shows a connection between the endocrine system and sleep disorders. Indeed, sleep function can be affected by hormone overactivity between the adrenal gland and the brain and cause wakefulness.
Sleep Apnea Symptoms
The main types of sleep apnea include obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and complex sleep apnea syndrome, all of which have similar symptoms including:
- Loud snoring, especially in OSA
- Breathing interruptions during sleep
- Waking up with a shortness of breath
- Sore throat or dry mouth in the morning
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty falling and staying asleep
- Extreme daytime sleepiness
- Concentration and memory problems
- Irritability
Hence, if you have any of the symptoms listed above, ensure you seek medical help to get the right diagnosis and treatment.
Sleep Apnea Treatment and Erectile Dysfunction
Scientists have found that men suffering from both conditions can relieve ED symptoms by successfully treating OSA.
Precisely speaking, men with OSA who use a special sleep machine that uses air pressure to keep airways open during sleep have improved erections because the machine improves their sleep which then increases testosterone and oxygen levels.
In addition, a study showed that male sleep apnea patients who had a tissue removal surgery also experienced relief from erectile dysfunction symptoms.
Conclusion
Although scientists haven’t still found the exact reason for the link, the connection between erectile dysfunction and obstructive sleep apnea is obvious. The link is mainly due to testosterone and oxygen levels affected by sleep deprivation. Therefore, men with ED should get checked for sleep apnea too, and get the right treatment to ease both conditions. So, don’t wait and talk to your doctor as soon as possible.