Is there a link between erectile dysfunction and sleep disordered breathing?

This study examined the link between erectile dysfunction and sleep disordered breathing in older men. Researchers concluded that the association between the two conditions can be largely explained by shared risk factors.

Erectile dysfunction is more common among older men. It is believed to occur in about half of men above the age of 60. Other known risk factors for erectile dysfunction include high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, and obesity. The same risk factors have been associated with sleep disordered breathing, a condition characterized by a repeated reduction of airflow during sleep. Patients with sleep disordered breathing may therefore be more likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction when compared to the general population. However, the association between erectile dysfunction and sleep disordered breathing is poorly understood at this time.

The aim of this study was to examine the link between erectile dysfunction and sleep disordered breathing in older men.

2,676 men participating in a sleep study were included in this study. All men were at least 67 years old with the average age being 76 years. Men underwent an overnight sleep analysis and completed questionnaires on sexual health.

34.3% of men were found to have mild sleep disordered breathing. 16.5% of men showed moderate symptoms. A further 9.7% of men had severe sleep disordered breathing. Men with more interrupted breathing at night were older, less likely to have a college education, had a lower socioeconomic status, were less physically active, more obese, and more likely to use beta blockers (drugs commonly to treat high blood pressure).

27.2% of men had moderate erectile dysfunction. 42.6% of men had severe erectile dysfunction. Men with more interrupted breathing and less oxygen in their blood at night were more likely to have severe erectile dysfunction. Overall, a greater severity of sleep disordered breathing increased the risk of moderate-to-severe erectile dysfunction by 57%. However, this was no longer significant after accounting for body mass index (a measure of body fat that takes weight and height into account), socioeconomic status, and additional medical conditions.

Researchers concluded that sleep disordered breathing increased the likelihood of erectile function in older men. However, this was largely explained by higher body mass index and additional medical conditions.