Snoring, Sleep Apnea and Loss of Erection Issues

Written by: Faith Coats
Published 04/10/2015
Updated: 04/10/2015

It’s safe to say that snoring can be a real turn-off in the bedroom. A study from the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine showed that nearly 40 percent of US adults think that snoring is not attractive. But many people don’t know that snoring can actually lead to erection problems and sexual dysfunction.

Fortunately, the results of the survey show that snoring may not be a complete deal-breaker for couples. Nearly 83 percent of the respondents have a partner who snores. Only about 26 percent of participants felt angry or annoyed by the habit. Less than 10 percent of the people surveyed said that snoring had a negative effect on their sex life.

Snoring can be an embarrassing problem for some people. Dr. Kathleen Bennett is the president of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. She says that many couples have trouble talking openly about issues like snoring. However, she believes that it’s important to discuss it with your partner. Snoring can affect you, your relationship, and your partner’s health. By working together, you and your partner can take steps to solve the problem.

Many people think that snoring is nothing more than a mild annoyance, but it can actually affect your health. Snoring can deprive your body of oxygen. People who snore also spend more energy breathing. In some cases, snoring may indicate that you have an underlying medical condition or sleep disorder.

One such condition is called sleep apnea. This common disorder has been linked to other serious medical problems such as hearing loss, depression, and osteoporosis. That may be why 43 percent of survey participants were also worried about their partner’s health.

Doctors believe that sleep apnea may be linked to erection problems. Frequent sleep interruptions can affect blood circulation and hormone levels, making it more difficult for a man to get an erection. Sleep apnea can cause extreme fatigue. Many people with sleep apnea are simply too tired for sexual activity.

The good news is that sleep apnea is a treatable condition. People with sleep apnea can use a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine to regulate their breathing. While this treatment method is generally effective, CPAP machines are large and cumbersome. That makes it inconvenient for many sleep apnea patients.

However, there’s another treatment option called oral appliance therapy. This method uses a mouth guard to control sleep apnea symptoms. While it may not be sexy, it’s certainly more convenient than a large bedside machine. Oral appliance therapy is becoming more popular among sleep apnea patients.

Visit your doctor to determine if you have a sleeping disorder. If you don’t have sleep apnea, there are other ways to reduce snoring. Doctors recommend sleeping on your side and elevating your head. You should avoid alcohol at least 4 hours before bedtime. Additionally, weight loss may help you quit snoring. Talk to your doctor about all your treatment options. Your partner will appreciate it and it may help improve your sex life.