Does lack of Sleep Kill Sex Drive in Men?

Posted on 30. Jan, 2008 by Mel G in Libido

: Image by babblingdweeb via Flickr

Scientists in Israel recently concluded a study that find men who suffer from insomnia or have less sleep than is adequately required experience a substantial decrease in their sexual drive. Researchers at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology specifically found that men who have an inability to breathe properly during sleep particularly have a weak libido because their bodies produce less testosterone.The most common symptoms of an inability to breath during sleep includes loud snoring, restless sleep, and sleepiness during the daytime.A report published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, found that nearly half of the men surveyed who suffered from severe sleep-disorders also have abnormally low levels of testosterone and complain of a disinterest in having regular sex.

In this study, subjects were admitted to the Technion Sleep Center for an entire night and were fitted with electrodes and catheters. They were monitored between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. with blood samples collected every 20 minutes. At 10 p.m., lights were turned off and the participants retired to sleep. Groups tested included those with sleeping disorders and others with no problems, both groups had similar body weight and age.

According to sleep experts, men experiencing reduced sexual drive as a result from a lack of sleep need to first reduce the amount of stress they encounter during the day. Those men who have an inability to breathe properly during sleep, may need to have surgery to correct their breathing passages. Israeli researchers concluded that a good night’s sleep enhances men’s energy, mood, sex drive, and also reduces their risk for other chronic medical conditions.