Among the many factors contributing to the development of erectile dysfunction, sleep problems occupy a separate place. Along with depression and stress, sleep deprivation causes impotence. In particular, such a conclusion was made by scientists from the University of Chicago. Let’s see why lack of sleep can lead to problems with sex, and how you can avoid it.

Research on how sleep deprivation causes impotence

According to the authors of the study, sleep deprivation causes impotence due to negative effects on testosterone levels. Lack of sleep, as well as poor sleep, usually leads to a decrease in testosterone. This, in turn, reduces erectile function even in relatively healthy men.

I would like to note that only absolutely healthy, very young people of average age 24 years old took part in the study. After a good 10 hours of sleep, their testosterone remained at normal levels. However, once the duration of sleep dropped to five hours over eight days, the rate dropped by 10-15%.

Of course, low testosterone is not the only factor that can negatively affect potency. But, if a man has a predisposition to erectile dysfunction or chronic diseases, even leads an unhealthy lifestyle, the risks increase. In patients with a tendency to sexual dysfunction sleep deprivation causes impotence most often.

Other negative effects of poor sleep

Sleep deprivation causes impotence not only due to decreased testosterone levels. In addition to the male hormone, sleep quality also affects other systems in the body. Particularly, insomnia contributes to increased levels of adrenal hormones. This, in turn, leads to an increase in the production of female hormones and a decrease in libido. Moreover, lack of sleep increases stress, which also negatively affects male potency.

Furthermore, as a consequence of poor sleep, the pineal gland, responsible for daily biorhythms and fluctuations in testosterone production, suffers. All this also leads to a decrease in libido. At the same time, mind that short-term and rare lack of sleep do not affect potency that badly.

How to deal with insomnia and other sleep disorders

Many people find that the easiest way to treat insomnia is to take the right medication. However, today I propose healthier and easier methods to improve the quality of your sleep. Hopefully they will help you sleep better and longer, since sleep deprivation causes impotence. No one wants that, true?

Here are some simple tips for enjoying a good sleep:

• Eat at least 2-3 hours before bed, especially if you prefer a heavy meal in the evening.
• Take a short walk outside an hour to half an hour before going to bed.
• Just before bed, you can take a relaxing bath or warm shower.
• Switch off your phone and other gadgets. Rather listen to quiet music or read a book for a while.
• Provide yourself with a comfortable sleeping environment – a good mattress, fresh linens, no light and no noise.
• If necessary, use a sleep mask and earplugs.
• Try to “turn off” your thoughts. Do not scroll through the events of the passing day in your head, but remember only the pleasant moments. Plan something equally enjoyable in your mind.
• Lying in bed, try to relax absolutely all muscles.
• If sex helps you sleep, do it or masturbate.