Sleep Apnea and Sexual Dysfunction
Sleep Deprivation's Impact on Health
To understand the connection between Erectile Dysfunction (ED) and sleep apnea, you must first understand the health consequences of chronic sleep deprivation as well as the co-morbidities that exist between these two conditions. It has been well documented that sleep plays a vital role in our overall health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that people experiencing ongoing sleep deprivation are more likely to suffer from chronic illnesses such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, in addition to overall reduced quality of life.
Hormonal Changes and Erectile Function
Sleep apnea occurs when the airway at the back of the throat becomes blocked during sleep resulting in disrupted breathing, causing daytime fatigue, moodiness, and predisposition to chronic illness. But there are also hormonal changes that occur with the long term sleep deprivation associated with sleep apnea. Healthline reports that sleep apnea may cause a man's testosterone level to decrease and lower oxygen levels in the blood. Both oxygen and testosterone are needed for healthy erections. The stress and overall fatigue associated with lack of sleep may also be a factor in the prevalence of ED in sleep apnea sufferers. Studies focused on sexual health have also found that ED sufferers often display signs of sleep apnea. A study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that 55% of their ED patients experienced sleep apnea symptoms.
Commonalities Between Sleep Apnea, ED, and Chronic Conditions
As with sleep apnea, ED is also strongly associated with diabetes and heart disease. Physician's Weekly reports between 35% and 50% of men with diabetes also experience ED. It is a risk factor for heart disease, as is a family history of coronary heart disease or a history of smoking. With these severe health conditions acting as a commonality between sleep apnea and ED, scientists have suggested that other severe health conditions can be prevented by addressing the underlying sleep apnea diagnosis.
CPAP Therapy's Potential Impact on Erectile Function
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure therapy, or CPAP, is the most common and effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. The machine's airflow keeps the airway open, restoring normal oxygen levels and allowing for consistent breathing. There is some evidence that CPAP can also help with ED. A 2018 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association - Otolaryngology stated that successful CPAP use may be associated with improved sexual quality of life. Researchers at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center found that CPAP helped with both erectile function and libido. The key to all successful CPAP therapy is for usage to be consistent. And while there may be an adjustment period in getting comfortable using CPAP, it does not have the side effects of common ED medications. Sildenafil citrate, more commonly known as Viagra or "the little blue pill," is the most available drug used to treat ED. The list of documented side effects includes an upset stomach, headaches, blue-tinted vision, flushing, diarrhea, difficulty sleeping, and dizziness.
While there is a definite association between OSA and ED, there is still much to learn through additional research. Because of ED's strong link to diabetes and heart disease and its prevalence in sleep apnea patients, CPAP therapy may be beneficial to restore healthy sleep and improve overall health. BetterNight's proprietary software captures CPAP data and works in tandem with a staff of over 100 dedicated sleep doctors and technologists. Our telehealth solution is quick, easy, and affordable for patients. BetterNight works collaboratively with physicians to meet the common goal of better health through a better night's sleep.