Testosterone is a manly thing; there are no two ways around that. The male counterpart to estrogen for females, testosterone helps males with muscle development, body hair growth and plays a major role in sexual health. Therefore, it may seem odd to think that testosterone levels have anything to do with sleeping or sleep apnea. However, newer research has shown that there is a significant connection between sleep/sleep apnea and testosterone levels in men.
Testosterone levels change during sleep, and the highest levels reported in men were found during deep, restorative REM sleep. However, sleep apnea and other sleep disorders interrupt the sleep cycle, preventing testosterone levels from reaching their peak. This is what causes the link between low testosterone and sleep apnea.
The restless, incomplete sleep men with sleep apnea get every night not only causes low testosterone, but it also increases chances of developing erectile dysfunction. In a recent study, men with obstructive sleep apnea were about twice as likely to complain to doctors of about low libido, erectile dysfunction and impotence.
This means one thing: men, go see your doctor if you think you have sleep apnea. CPAP therapy, which is used to treat sleep apnea, can help improve your physical symptoms, as well as the complications to sexual function. Although you can also get expensive hormone replacement therapy to help with impaired sexual function, CPAP therapy is less expensive and helps with both physical and sexual issues.
On top of this, treatment with CPAP also helps prevent the more severe consequences of sleep apnea such as developing heart disease, high blood pressure and strokes. CPAP Central has the equipment to fit your therapy and the staff to help you find what you need. Men (and women), be sure to come by and see how we can assist you in your sleep apnea treatment.