Testosterone, Sleep and Sexual Health

[Sparticus]

Testosterone, Sleep and Sexual Health

Can lower testosterone put you at a greater risk for obstructive sleep apnea?
Published on December 20, 2011 by Michael J. Breus, Ph.D. in Sleep Newzzz
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.
• The effects of sleep (and lack of sleep) on testosterone levels in men and women.
• The role that testosterone plays in obstructive sleep apnea and sleep-disordered breathing.
• The relationship between testosterone levels and sexual dysfunction, and how sleep may affect both.

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 and lack of sleep reduces the amount of REM sleep, will frequently lead to low testosterone levels. And 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 with erectile dysfunction were more than twice as likely to have obstructive sleep apnea as those without erectile dysfunction, according to one study. This study also showed that the more serious a man's erectile dysfunction, the more likely he was to also have obstructive sleep apnea.
• Another study showed that men with obstructive sleep apnea and erectile dysfunction also exhibited highly fragmented sleep that reduced or eliminated their REM sleep.
Men are more likely than women to suffer from sleep apnea and sleep-disordered breathing-though there is widespread belief that sleep apnea in women remains significantly under-diagnosed-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 a 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 the CPAP-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. Several 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, according to this research. Women are particularly at risk for un-diagnosed sleep problems, including sleep-disordered breathing. Women who are experiencing problems with sexual function should have their sleep evaluated. This works in both directions: women who are being treated for sleep problems-particularly obstructive sleep apnea-should work with their physician to assess the potential effect of their sleep disorder on their sexual health.
We know that sleep deprivation poses a greater risk of cardiovascular problems for women than for men. It's just possible that the resulting lower testosterone levels may have something to do with this. Testosterone has a protective effect on the heart, reducing inflammatory proteins that can cause heart damage.
The more we know about how testosterone affects sleep and sexual health in men and women, the better clinicians will be able to help restore healthy functioning to two critical aspects of our lives.


Sweet Dreams,
Michael J. Breus, PhD

Found this article quite interesting, thought other would too

[Berneta]

Sex and Sleep

Well--it doesn't surprise me that men and women with sexual problems might face sleep problems. That's a no brainer. I'd like to see some results from sexual function studies on people who have Sleep Apnea, and use a CPAP. XX Berneta

[Sparticus]

Well--it doesn't surprise me that men and women with sexual problems might face sleep problems. That's a no brainer. I'd like to see some results from sexual function studies on people who have Sleep Apnea, and use a CPAP. XX Berneta

Well its the first time Ive come across a link of Testosterone and sleep problems, it makes for interesting reading

[andysnorer]

This may well be another "chicken and egg" situation. What is the cause and what is the effect?
I was tested for low testosterone levels back in 1992 94, and was prescribed testosterone patches, which did absolutely nothing. At the time I was competing in sport and my weight was around 70 kilos. By 1997 - 98 I was feeling the full effects of undiagnosed OSA, with constant tiredness and my weight had climbed to over 90 kilos, and my testosterone levels were at an all time low.
So, is OSA a cause of low testosterone, or are low testosterone levels a cause of OSA?

[Sparticus]

It Reads...

It reads like they are saying that sleep is the cause of the problems. If this is true then there is far more to our sleep than meets the eye. If Rem sleep is connected to Testosterome levels then does this mean that its this that triggers the production of Test. I think alot more studies need to be done like people being tested after not sleeping for 48 hours (Non OSA) to see if there levels have dropped through the floor.

Also if it is linked to erectile problems then why arnt more of us effected? or is it a case of Im not telling anyone I have a problem.

"Men with obstructive sleep apnea are also more likely to suffer from complications to their sexual function, including low libido, erectile dysfunction, and impotence."

I think that the loss of Libido is probably more to do with tireness and not a medical issue but I could be wrong.

I still find this topic very interesting as it seems that sleep is not just an renewal of energy but there are all other chemicals and process being carried out.

Spart.

[Fredxx]

I think the writer has committed the classic error; Correlation does not imply causation.

The fact that a lot of people who have sleep apnoea also have erectile disfunction does not mean that OSA causes testosterone deficiency. All it means is that the group of people who are prone to a higher incidence of OSA seem also to be prone to a higher incidence of ED.

A classic example of this is can be understood by the phrase:
there is a strong correlation between sleeping with your shoes on and waking up with a headache, therefore headaches are caused by wearing shoes when sleeping. This is patently absurd. There is actually another common factor at play, namely if you go to bed very drunk you are more likely to wake up with a headache as well as more likely to go to sleep still in your shoes

Also, the levels they are talking about also fit within the error range for the statistics, so in this case it could also be coincidence.

[Sparticus]

I think the writer has committed the classic error; Correlation does not imply causation.

The fact that a lot of people who have sleep apnoea also have erectile disfunction does not mean that OSA causes testosterone deficiency. All it means is that the group of people who are prone to a higher incidence of OSA seem also to be prone to a higher incidence of ED.

A classic example of this is can be understood by the phrase:
there is a strong correlation between sleeping with your shoes on and waking up with a headache, therefore headaches are caused by wearing shoes when sleeping. This is patently absurd. There is actually another common factor at play, namely if you go to bed very drunk you are more likely to wake up with a headache as well as more likely to go to sleep still in your shoes

Also, the levels they are talking about also fit within the error range for the statistics, so in this case it could also be coincidence.

Now youve given me a headache So what your saying is its all big pants and they are just playing with statistics to fit their theory and that sleep has nothing to do with Testosterone levels?

[Sparticus]

another report!

Sleep and Testosterone

Care to guess the best way is to increase testosterone? You would probably guess that it has to be something that requires a huge amount of effort or expense, right? Well, actually all you need to do is sleep, sleep, sleep. While you sleep – that is assuming you have lengthy, quality sleep – your body ramps up testosterone production. Your testosterone levels are at a daily peak at about 8 a.m. and then decreases to a daily low at about 8 p.m.
You need quality sleep to bring your testosterone back up to optimal levels. While you’re sleeping, your body literally turns on its Testosterone Engine and, like an IV drip, pours extra testosterone into your system in rhythmic cycles based on basic sleep stages. The more uninterrupted sleep, the more testosterone. It’s that simple.
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The idea that more sleep boosts testosterone is just common sense for us males. Every guy knows that after a good night's rest you wake up feeling good. Libido, strength, morning erections and general attitude - all symptoms of high testosterone - are all dramatically increased after sleeping well and long. And what we know instinctively has been verified by many studies. One recent study of older males, ages 64 to 74, found that sleep was greatest independent predictor of morning free and total testosterone levels. [1]

[martin]

Dang, thought you just had to do tests to help your testes, never mind.

Libido seems to be multi casual, energy levels, sleep levels and sometimes just the time of day all seem to be involved. Alas, aint a teenager , sigh.

I no longer jog up hills or do the times crossword anymore, cpap aint curing that either.

Just glad for what it does.

[Fredxx]

Now youve given me a headache So what your saying is its all big pants and they are just playing with statistics to fit their theory and that sleep has nothing to do with Testosterone levels?

OK - simple version. there are 4 possibilities:

1. Low Testosterone causes OSA
2. OSA Causes Low Testosterone

Those are causation

3. Something else causes both Low Testosterone and OSA

That is just Correlation

4. Coincidence, there is no real link - the apparent correlation is actually just coincidence.

From my understanding of the figures they have, the numbers aren't enough to rule out coincidence, and there is no real evidence of causation

[andysnorer]

OK - simple version. there are 4 possibilities:

1. Low Testosterone causes OSA
2. OSA Causes Low Testosterone

Those are causation

3. Something else causes both Low Testosterone and OSA

That is just Correlation

4. Coincidence, there is no real link - the apparent correlation is actually just coincidence.

From my understanding of the figures they have, the numbers aren't enough to rule out coincidence, and there is no real evidence of causation

Sounds about right to me Fred.
It doesn't take a genius to work out, that if you are so tired that you are struggling to remain conscious, then your body is not going to be up for a session of bedroom exercise!
If my testosterone levels were very low prior to me developing chronic OSA, then it is doubtful that I would have had the energy to do as much training and gym work as I did.