If you’ve ever felt too tired for sex, you’re not alone. Many people, including those in relationships, report feeling too tired for sex on a regular basis. [1] Let’s get into the link between sleep and erectile dysfunction.
Poor sleep can do more than just lower your energy throughout the day. Sleep also has an important relationship with your sexual health and your erections. Many studies suggest a strong connection between sleep patterns and erectile dysfunction (ED), making sleep not just a lifestyle factor, but a crucial part of men’s sexual health. [2][3]
Thankfully, if you’re struggling with sleep and sexual health, there are plenty of options for intervention. The first port of call is to understand how sleep and sexual health work together, and what may be causing your erectile dysfunction.
Erectile dysfunction refers to the ongoing difficulty in achieving or maintaining an erection firm enough for sex. It’s more common than you might think — affecting an estimated 1 in 10 men in the UK at some point in their lives. [4] While it’s often associated with ageing, ED can happen at any age and is influenced by a variety of physical, psychological, and lifestyle factors.
Causes range from cardiovascular issues to anxiety and low testosterone levels. Sleep, as it turns out, plays a role in almost all of these factors — yet it’s often overlooked in conversations about sexual health and erectile dysfunction.
Sleep is more than rest. It’s a time when your body does critical repair work, restoring hormone balance, and recalibrating your brain. For men, one of the key hormones affected by sleep is testosterone. That’s where things start to link closely to sexual performance.
Men produce the majority of their daily testosterone during sleep, with levels peaking around the first REM phase. [5] This stage of your sleep is characterised by vivid dreaming, rapid eye movements, and increased brain activity, similar to when you’re awake. This stage is important to sexual health as men produce the majority of their daily testosterone while they’re asleep. When sleep is disrupted or shortened, so is testosterone production. And lower testosterone has been linked to a decrease in libido and erectile function.[6]
Erections aren’t just about arousal. They’re a complex process involving blood flow, nerve function, and hormonal signals. All of these systems are influenced by sleep. Here’s a breakdown of how this works:
If you have pre-existing health issues with sleep, this could be contributing to ED. Some men have chronic issues with sleep that go beyond just staying up too late. Certain sleep disorders are strongly associated with erectile dysfunction, including:
It’s not just sleep duration that matters. The quality of sleep is equally important to erectile function and overall sleep health. Disrupted or fragmented sleep has been shown to increase inflammation in the body, which can damage blood vessels including those needed for healthy erections. [14]
There’s also evidence that sleep deprivation affects chemicals like adenosine and neuropeptide Y, which are involved in regulating blood flow and stress response. Both are linked to sexual performance in scientific studies. Simply put, your brain and body aren’t getting the reset they need without enough rest. [15]
ED isn’t always physical and neither is poor sleep. Anxiety, depression, and stress are all known to disrupt sleep, and they’re also common contributors to sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction or unreliable erections.[ 16]
Unfortunately, the relationship is circular. Sleep problems can cause mental health symptoms, which can worsen both sleep and sexual function. Men with untreated insomnia, for example, are more likely to report ED. Men experiencing ED also often develop performance anxiety, which can further disturb sleep. [17]
Rest assured, there are plenty of solutions you can explore to combat this cycle. Experiencing sleep and erectile issues ongoingly make it especially important to address the root causes as well as treating the symptoms.
If you’re dealing with ED and also noticing sleep issues, it’s worth speaking to a healthcare professional. In many cases, treating sleep disorders (like starting a medication plan or using a CPAP machine for sleep apnoea) has been shown to significantly improve erectile function. [18] It’s always important to speak to your general practitioner about your sleep health if you have concerns about it, especially if it’s affecting your sexual health and especially before starting any treatments.
For others, a few lifestyle changes can make a big difference:
Sleep is often seen as something we can cut back on to make time for everything else. But when it comes to sexual health, and especially erectile function, consistent, high-quality sleep is essential.
If you’ve noticed changes in your erections, libido, or sexual performance, take a moment to assess your sleep habits. Getting a better night’s rest could be a key piece of the puzzle.
If lifestyle adjustments and sleep improvements aren’t fully addressing your erectile dysfunction (ED), MedExpress offers a range of clinically approved treatments that can help.
Oral ED medications are designed to enhance blood flow to the penis, improving your ability to achieve and maintain an erection when sexually aroused. [19]
Sildenafil (Generic Viagra)
Sildenafil is the active ingredient in Viagra, and is available in its generic form as a treatment for ED. It typically takes effect within 30–60 minutes and lasts for up to six hours. Generic sildenafil may offer a cost-effective option, but as with all prescription treatments, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional to determine if sildenafil is suitable for you and to discuss any potential side effects. [20]
Viagra (Sildenafil)
As the original branded version of sildenafil, Viagra® offers the same efficacy with the assurance of a well-known name. It also takes 30–60 minutes to work and provides support for up to 6 hours. This option may appeal to those who prefer brand-name medications. [21]
Tadalafil (Generic Cialis)
Tadalafil is the active ingredient in Cialis® and is available in both branded and generic forms. It is known for its long duration of action, lasting up to 36 hours. This medication can be taken either on demand or daily, offering flexibility depending on individual preferences and lifestyle. The daily option may be suitable for those with more frequent sexual activity. [22]
Cialis® (Tadalafil)
Cialis® is the branded version of tadalafil and shares the same long-lasting effects. It can be taken either on demand or daily, depending on your lifestyle and preferences.
Spedra® (Avanafil)
Spedra® contains avanafil, a fast-acting PDE5 inhibitor that can take effect in as little as 15 minutes. It provides support for up to 6 hours and can be taken with or without food, offering flexibility depending on individual preferences. [23]
Vardenafil (Generic Levitra®)
Vardenafil is another effective PDE5 inhibitor, particularly noted for its suitability in men with diabetes. It takes about 25–60 minutes to take effect and lasts for up to five hours. This medication can be taken with or without food. [24]
As with all prescription medications, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider to determine whether tadalafil, either in its generic or branded form, is the right option for you. A healthcare provider can also discuss potential side effects, risks and interactions based on your medical history
If low testosterone is a concern, your doctor may recommend blood tests to check your testosterone levels. This is a standard first step before considering hormone replacement therapy. If you have any concerns at all about starting erectile dysfunction treatment, or if you suspect low testosterone, you should speak to your general practitioner. They can assess your symptoms, arrange appropriate tests, discuss treatment options and refer you to a specialist if necessary.
If you’re struggling with sleep and it’s having an impact on your erectile health, it’s not the be all or end all. You are not alone and there are plenty of methods from lifestyle changes to treatment options at your disposal.
Concerned about ED? It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider who can assess your condition and discuss appropriate treatment options. MedExpress offers confidential online consultations with qualified healthcare professionals, ensuring that you receive personalised advice. A prescription will only be issued after a medical consultation, based on your individual health needs.
References
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