A prevalent cause of poor sexual health is low testosterone levels. Research shows that people who get the right amount of sleep have balanced testosterone levels. Research by NCBI reveals that the highest level of testosterone happens during REM sleep, the deep, restorative sleep that occurs mostly late in the nightly sleep cycle.
Sleep disorders can impact your quality of sleep. Interrupted sleep and lack of sleep reduces the amount of REM sleep. Ideally, 8 hours of sleep a night is recommended. But if you are getting 6 hours of good quality sleep — its better than poor rest for 8 hours.
Depriving your body of sleep results in:
- Mood swings
- Poor energy levels
- Lower metabolism
- And of course your SEX life
More than often, testosterone levels in the body impact sexual health. Doctors usually evaluate patients for this hormone. The impact of low testosterone has a direct correlation with a lack of sleep or sleep deprivation. These symptoms include feeling tired, weak, sluggish, etc.
Harmful testosterone levels also hurt your libido. Poor sleeping patterns tend to have an adverse reaction on your testosterone levels. As a result of this, those unwanted side-effects keep increasing.
The University of Chicago researched the impact of restrictions on the sleep of the male participants on their testosterone levels. The participants were male and in a generally healthy shape. So, not overweight or obese! The average age of these men was 24.3 years.
All of these men were asked to sleep for about 8 hours a week. After this, they were asked to sleep for 5 hours for another week. Researchers then evaluated these sessions. Sleeping patterns were observed closely.
This study was conducted on a smaller scale. However, the results showed something unexpected. In just one week — sleeping for only 5 hours — lowered the hormone levels. The hormone levels reduced by almost 10-15% between the hours of 2-10 pm.
So, can you imagine that in older age — especially around the mid-50s, your sleep pattern changes. Men tend to sleep less. On average, 80% of the time, sleep patterns go for a toss. Though it can be attributed to work or other related factors like overweight and lack of exercise — it still impacts your health.
Due to age, testosterone levels are already going down. Poor quality sleep would be adding fuel to the fire. The result is fatigue, low sex drive, and very high chances of erectile dysfunction.
It is essential to maintain a healthy sleep pattern to ensure good sexual health — especially the proper release of testosterone levels. You should try to switch off electronic devices for about 20 minutes before going to sleep. Soothing music, chamomile tea, etc. may help induce sleep too. Exercise during the day a little bit — so you are tired to sleep — but not overtired. Just a few things to get the much-needed sleep.
Medically reviewed by Rishabh Verma, RP
