How sleep deprivation in men can lead to erectile dysfunction and infertility

Laura Hampson
·3-min read
Lack of sleep can lead to infertility and erectile dysfunction. (Getty Images)
Lack of sleep can lead to infertility and erectile dysfunction. (Getty Images)

Sleep is one of the most important things we can do for our health. In fact, studies have found links between sleep deprivation and a wide range of disorders such as obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and impaired immune function, among other issues.

What’s more, is that sleep deprivation can have a detrimental effect on men’s health, leading to erectile dysfunction, infertility, reduced hair growth, and even decreased muscle mass.

The reason for this? Sleep deprivation can reduce a man’s testosterone levels, with one 2011 study finding that men who sleep for less than five hours per night see significantly lower levels of the hormone than those who have a full night’s sleep.

“Testosterone is critical for building strength, muscle mass and bone density,” Dr Alexis Missick, from online pharmaceutical company, UK Meds, says. “Skipping sleep can see men reduce their testosterone to levels of men who are 10 to 15 years older.

Young tired and sleepy man holding eyeglasses rubbing eyes while waking up in the morning or while going to bed at home
Sleep deprivation can lead men to have testosterone levels equivalent to someone 10 to 15 years older. (Getty Images)

“The results [from the 2011 study] showed that testosterone levels decreased by 10%-15% after the week of sleep loss compared with their rested states. This decrease in testosterone levels was also associated with a loss of vigour among the participants. These men reported their mood and level of vigour during the study. The result was a declining sense of well-being as their testosterone levels dropped, which continued to decline through the end of the study.”

If you are worried about how sleep may be impacting your testosterone levels, Dr Missick says some key symptoms to look out for include:

  • Erectile dysfunction

  • Infertility

  • Breast tissue development (gynecomastia)

  • Reduced hair growth

  • Decreased muscle mass

  • Loss of bone density (osteoporosis)

  • Reduced beard and body hair growth

“If you feel as though you are suffering from the above symptoms and believe the culprit could be low testosterone, consult with your doctor and consider getting your blood tested to determine if your amount of testosterone is deficient,” she advises.

If you think sleep deprivation could be behind your low testosterone symptoms, Dr Missick says addressing this is your first port of call.

“You must get at least seven hours of sleep per evening. If you find it hard to fall asleep regularly, you may be suffering from insomnia,” she says. “If you struggle to fall asleep at night, taking melatonin tablets can help relax the body and prepare you for sleep better.

Depressed, stressed man waking up early in morning, sitting in bed and thinking. Feeling anxious, nervous and unprepared. Suffering from mental disorder and feeling lost, confused, lonely, detached
Taking melatonin tablets could help with a more restful sleep. (Getty Images)

“Melatonin is a hormone produced by the body naturally, it helps to regulate sleep and wake cycles. It signals to the body that it is time to sleep and therefore taking melatonin tablets can be helpful for those who struggle to fall asleep naturally. Unlike sleeping tablets, melatonin is not habit-forming and does not become less effective the more you use them so it is a good long-term option.”

Additionally, Dr Missick says some lifestyle changes including lifting weights, eating a healthy diet, weight loss, and minimising stress, can also boost testosterone levels naturally.

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