Sleep Apnea and Erectile Dysfunction

[fernando]

I have been having sleeping trouble for years now and believe that this is a contributor to my erectile dysfunction. I also have a slight case of hypertension which is probably another factor that is causing my ED. Does anyone know any good resources for treating hypertension and sleeping disorders? Never been a fan of sleeping pills and I wish I could find a drug free solution to sleeping. In the end I think it will get rid of my dependency on Viagra. I have heard that not getting enough sleep affects the whole body and I really do think that this is cause my ED.

If anyone has any similar experiences, please share.

Fer...

[Flavio]

[...] Does anyone know any good resources for treating hypertension and sleeping disorders? Never been a fan of sleeping pills and I wish I could find a drug free solution to sleeping. [...]

I suggest you try VIGAMED (oral phentolamine). Vigamed is a new ED drug that is also very popular with men who suffer from high blood pressure. Unfortunately, it is not available in the US but you can order it online: vasomaxclinic.com.

As for your sleeping problems, I'm afraid I can't help you much. Trazodone (brand name Desyrel) is a good sleeping pill and also improves erections but side effects may be unpleasant (fatigue, tachycardia). I tried it once but hated it.

[doctorstevenpark]

The fact that you have sleep problems, high blood pressure and ED suggests that there may be a common link: sleep-breathing problems. Obstructive sleep apnea is a very common condition that affects about 1/4 of all men. Untreated sleep apnea causes or aggravates ED, hypertension, depression, anxiety, heart disease, heart attacks and strokes. You don't have to snore or be overweight to have significant sleep apnea.

Sleep Apnea happens due to repeated episodes of obstructed breathing. Narrowed breathing passageways in your throat causes partial and total obstructions, leading to too much of a fight-or-flight response (sympathetic nervous system).

Interestingly, arousal and erections are controlled by your parasympathetic nervous system (the relaxing half of your involuntary nervous system which also controls digestion, sleep, etc.). Orgasm and ejaculation is activated by the sympathetic nervous system. If you have too much of the sympathetic response, the arousals don't happen as easily.

Untreated OSA can also not only lead to nervous system imbalances, but also to small vessel narrowing and clots.

Rather than covering up these issues with medications, if this profile fits you, get checked for obstructive sleep apnea.

Dr. Steven Y. Park - Holistic Information on Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Snoring, And Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome

[Flavio]

[...] If you have too much of the sympathetic response, the arousals don't happen as easily.
[...]

This is why I suggested VIGAMED (oral phentolamine), an ED drug that blocks sympathetic action and increases blood flow to the penis. It worked for me but I'm not a doctor and I know nothing about sleep disorders, so you should always consult a doctor before trying any new treatment.