Snoring and Sexual Dysfunction

Clearly causes a decrease in sleep disturbances spirit, vitality concentration abilities, as well as sexual performance. Anyone who would refuse to have sex when you are tired whack. Sleep disturbance is not just insomnia.


You know, a sleep disorder that keeps us feeling tired and sleepy despite adequate sleep? Excessive sleepiness, or better known as hypersomnia, is perceived sleepiness despite adequate sleep.


Is a common cause of hypersomnia or sleep apnea stop breathing during sleep characterized by snoring habits. Sleep apnea occurs due to narrowing of the airway during sleep. As a result, oxygen levels in the blood down repeatedly throughout the night. Work of the heart and various organs were also disrupted. Sleep apnea has been increasingly recognized cause dangerous diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, to stroke. Sleep apnea also causes a decrease in quality of life, ranging from labor productivity, domestic life, and sexual performance.


In domestic life, the snorer is often regarded as lazy because his family was always sleepy and tired. Effect of hypersomnia also gives the appearance of someone who is less motivated and slow. Due to the lack of sleep is also, one becomes sensitive, irritable, impatient, and emotional. Moreover, disruptive snoring every night.


Decreased sexual interest, although rarely discussed, a herb supplement household problem. Slowly starting from the demand for separate rooms and continues to be split.


"Sleep apnea" and sexual dysfunction
Various studies have confirmed a close relationship between sleep apnea and impotence. In The Journal of Sexual Medicine, published November 2009, disclosed that from 69 percent of men diagnosed with sleep apnea snorers who were experiencing erectile dysfunction. While patients without sleep apnea only 34 percent who experience erectile dysfunction. 


From this study also mentioned that the more severe degrees of erectile dysfunction according to the decrease in blood oxygen levels during sleep recorded by polysomnography (sleep in a sleep laboratory examination). That is, the more severe stop breathing during sleep, the more severe erectile dysfunction also experienced. The degree of severity of sleep apnea is not seen hard or not snoring, but the number and duration of stopping breathing and decreased blood oxygen levels during sleep.


The study is in line with previous research in 2005 as outlined in the Journal of Urology. This study looks at excessive sleepiness experienced by the snorer as measured by the Epworth sleepiness scale. The result, the snorers with abnormal values, 80 percent of its erectile dysfunction compared with 20 percent in men with normal values.


A study in mice in 2008 trying to explain the mechanism of the relationship between sleep apnea and impotence. Researchers at the University of Louisville mimic the condition of sleep apnea in rats. The mice were repeatedly deliberately reduced oxygen, the same as that experienced by patients with sleep apnea during sleep. The result, the rats decreased spontaneous erections of up to 55 percent. 


It was clear that the lack of oxygen for a short time alone can reduce the sexual functions. Even after the return to normal oxygen conditions, such defects can not be completely lost. This is measured through a variety of behavioral and sexual functions of rats. One is the examination of nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Endothelial NOS is a substance that enhanced the use of the drug sildenafil (Viagra).


Some urologist from Greece researching the best treatment for erectile dysfunction patients who also suffer from sleep apnea. They conclude, treatment with sildenafil alone or treatment of sleep apnea with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is not enough. Maximal therapeutic effect is only obtained with the same approach to medication sildenafil and CPAP usage.


Thorough treatment
Of all the studies showing a relationship between snoring / sleep apnea with erectile dysfunction, it appears that prevention is better than treatment. Effects of oxygen deficiency periodically for a short time only has a direct affect sexual functions. Once disturbed, it is not easy to restore it.
Sleep apnea with CPAP treatment that restores oxygen levels during sleep can not restore sexual function to normal. Treatment of erectile dysfunction alone was also not give a satisfactory result. For optimal results, the two treatment approaches should be run together.


Similarly with the problem of snoring. Sleep disturbance of this one is not be underestimated. Tata laksananya which sounded strange in Indonesia is urging people to be socialized. Obstructive sleep apnea stop breathing during sleep, resulting in problems ranging from quality of life, domestic life, health, and even death. Various medical specialties have also been exploring the possibility of this sleep disorder in patients.


People with sleep apnea encountered every day in practice rooms. They come with headaches, poor sleep quality, always tired, depression, sexual disorders, diabetes, high blood pressure, or even a stroke. Sleep apnea patients require different approaches from various medical specialties as a whole.
Dr. Andreas Prasadja, RPSGT, Sleep Health Practitioners, Sleep Disorder Clinic - RS Mitra Kemayoran