Lack of adequate sleep, also known as sleep deficit, has a negative impact on various bodily functions, including sexual health. Most often, individuals with urological disorders or erectile dysfunction (ED) also have underlying sleep disorders that contribute to their sexual dysfunction.
Sleep plays an important role in maintaining both mental and physical health. During sleep, the body goes through five different stages:
- wake;
- non-rapid eye movement (NREM) stages N1, N2 and N3; and
- rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.
These stages are associated with different activities that relax your muscles and the mind, as well as regulate hormonal functions.
Strong hormonal correlations exist between sleep stages and the secretion of androgenic hormones. Most of the hormones correspond with rhythmic pulsatile release from the glands and are predominant during slow-wave sleep, and some during REM sleep.
Any sleep disorder is sufficient to upset the normal rhythm of sleep and, therefore, tends to affect sexual health.
Correlation between sleep disorders and sexual dysfunction
Sleep disorders have been linked to erectile dysfunction. They can also affect the quality of life and psychological well-being, and relationships between individuals.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), insomnia or restless legs syndrome can disrupt normal sleep patterns during the night and lead to sleep deprivation. These disorders can interfere with hormonal balance and overall physiological well-being, which can contribute to erectile dysfunction.
The majority of patients who suffer from severe OSA usually have a syndrome complex that includes co-morbidities such as diabetes, disordered lipids, high cholesterol levels, hypertension and other metabolic components. The risk factors or associations of sleep apnea itself may contribute to erectile dysfunction and other sexual problems such as lower sex drive and infertility.
Various studies have suggested an independent association between erectile dysfunction and OSA.
Manage sleep disorders to improve ED
While no definite study has shown a reversal of erectile dysfunction after treatment of OSA, the quality of life certainly improves and the subjective symptoms reported are reduced with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, weight reduction and diet management.
Comprehensive management of sleep disorders is also required to improve erectile dysfunction.
In addition, patients who often don’t sleep well due to various reasons — such as late-night work hours, stress and phone addiction — should aim to adopt a scheduled sleep schedule of at least seven to eight hours to improve their sleep quality and maintain their circadian rhythm.
Practising good sleep hygiene can additionally aid in inducing sound sleep. Good sleep hygiene practices include:
- avoiding caffeine intake after evening
- saying no to gadgets before bedtime
- keeping your room dark and
- sleeping on a soft mattress and pillow.
It is equally important to consult an expert to assess sleep patterns and manage sleep disorders to help improve sexual health through appropriate treatments.
Dr Satyanarayana Mysore is HOD and consultant, pulmonology, and lung transplant physician, Manipal Hospitals, Old Airport Road, Bengaluru
