Testosterone, Sleep, and Sexual Health


We found the article below and thought that it spoke to men quite well.

There is a pervasive attitude in many of the men we care for who view the initial consultation regarding their possible obstructive sleep apnea with disdain.  It’s seems apparent that they are there because their wife has influenced the situation to such a degree that it’s easier to give in.

It’s worth remembering that in health diagnosis and treatment, it’s always better off if you can catch something early.  Why should you waste valuable years operating at a less-than-optimal level?  No matter what your age, it is important be perform at your personal best.

If you were experiencing chest pains or bleeding profusely, you wouldn’t hesitate to address that would you?

Your body is a miraculous machine.  Now, many out there would respond, “Well, it used to be.”

I’d like to submit to you that your body is even MORE remarkable when it’s NOT working properly.

Your body has a very reliable warning system, just like your car, to inform you when upkeep is needed.  Certainly there are issues that come up out of the clear blue sky, but most of the time you can see danger coming down the road.

Heed the warnings and live and longer, fuller, more satisfying life.

Sleep Data Editor.


Testosterone, Sleep, and Sexual Health

By Michael J. Breus, PHD

Sleep disorders include a range of problems-from insomnia to narcolepsy-and affect millions of Americans.

When it comes to sleep, testosterone may be the somewhat forgotten hormone.  We know a great deal about the importance of testosterone as the male sex hormone, its role in the body and the effects of testosterone deficits, particularly for men.  But there’s been relatively little attention paid to the effects of testosterone on sleep, for both men and women.  A recent review of research seeks to bring some much-needed attention to the role that testosterone plays in sleep.

Changes in testosterone levels occur naturally during sleep, both in men and women.  Testosterone levels rise during sleep and decrease during waking hours.  Research has shown that the highest levels of testosterone happen during REM sleep, the deep restorative sleep that occurs mostly late in the nightly sleep cycle.  Sleep disorders, including interrupted sleep, lack of sleep, and reductions in the amount of REM sleep, will frequently lead to low testosterone levels.  This is important for men and women.

There’s strong evidence of a relationship between testosterone and sleep-disordered breathing, including obstructive sleep apnea.  Studies have shown that low testosterone levels frequently occur in men with obstructive sleep apnea.  Men with obstructive sleep apnea are also more likely to suffer from complications to their sexual function, including low libido, erectile dysfunction, and impotence.

Men are more likely than women to suffer from sleep apnea and sleep-disordered breathing-though there is a widespread belief that sleep apnea in women remains significantly underdiagnosed- and testosterone deficiencies may play a role.

What does this mean for men suffering from sleep problems or problems with sexual function?  It’s time to explore the connection between the two.

First off, guys, you’ve got to go to the doctor.  Making the decision to consult a physician is the first important step, one that unfortunately can still be difficult one for some men.  Men who are struggling with issues related to sexual function should have their sleep evaluated by their physician.  The good news is that treatments for obstructive sleep apnea-particularly CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) – are safe and effective.  In some cases, hormone replacement therapy for conditions such as erectile dysfunction may be appropriate, independently or in conjunction with treatment for a sleep disorder.

What are the implications for women of low testosterone levels from lack of sleep?  Women are particularly vulnerable to sleep problems related to hormone changes and deficiencies, throughout their lives.  We talk most frequently about estrogen and progesterone, the primary hormones involved in menstruation.  But testosterone should be added to the list of hormonal factors to consider when thinking about hormone-related sleep problems in women.

Women, like men, are also likely to find their sexual lives negatively affected by obstructive sleep apnea.  Studies have found strong correlations between obstructive sleep apnea and sexual dysfunction in women.  As obstructive sleep apnea grows worse, problems with sexual function- including sensation and desire- become more serious.  Women are particularly at risk for undiagnosed sleep problems, including sleep-disordered breathing.  Women who are experiencing problems with sexual function should have their sleep evaluated.

“Sleep Well” WebMD, accessed October 5th, 2011, http:blogs.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/2011/10/testosterone-sleep-and-sexual-health.html