Nocturnal visits to the bathroom and a wilting manhood

Dear Dr G,

I am hoping to get something off my chest regarding my worsening nocturnal visits to the bathroom.

It all started during the pandemic, when we were all working from home.

I was rather stressed about job security and started drinking plenty of coffee and tea;I am not a sound sleeper under normal circumstances, but the recent changes in my urination habit has led to insomnia and sleep deprivation.

Apart from feeling tired, I also started having issues with my sexual performance.

I hardly have any drive for sex these days and the quality of my erection is really insufficient for sexual penetration.

To compound my problem, the relationship between my wife and I is also worsening, as her sleep is also affected by my nocturnal urination and she is definitely not amused by my wilting manhood.

Why am I having persistent night-time urination?

Can these frequent visits to the toilet affect men in their late thirties?

Apart from the prostate, what can be the causes of night-time urination?

Lastly, can the nocturnal visits to the bathroom result in my wilting manhood?

Is there any medication I can use to solve the problem?

Please help.

Yours truly,

Nocturnal Nathan

Sleep deprivation is a common issue affecting millions of individuals worldwide. The importance of good quality sleep cannot be overstated, as it plays a vital role in maintaining overall physical and mental well-being.

Nocturia is a medical term describing night-time urination. On the other hand, nocturnal polyuria, often referred to as “night-time excessive urination,” is a condition where individuals produce more than two-third of total daily urine production at night. Several factors can contribute to its occurrence of Nocturnal polyuria, these include congestive heart, renal impairment, diabetes, or side effects of certain medications. Nocturnal polyuria can also occur insidiously without medical reasons, which commonly occurs when there is a disruption of the production of hormone controlling the production of urine.

The essential hormone controlling the urine production is called antidiuretic hormone (ADH). This hormone, produced by the pituitary in the brain, regulates the balance of water and electrolytes in our body.

This hormone also plays a significant role in reducing the production of urine during the night. ADH levels decline due to aging, stress and excessive caffeine intake. Such decline would open the floodgates for bladder, resulting in frequent trips to the bathroom, causing sleep interruption.

The night-time visits to the bathroom would affect overall sleep. Insufficient deep and restorative sleep can lead to increased sleep fragmentation. Generally, good quality sleep would include at least three cycles of REM and non-REM deep sleep. Any interruption of a good quality eight-hour sleep would be undesirable, especially during the first four hours of deep sleep. Hence, the consequences of the night-time bathroom escapades would result in sleep fragmentation and as such perpetuates the cycle of sleep deprivation can lead to an increased risk of fatigue, irritability, and even cognitive impairment during the day.

One aspect that has received particular attention in recent years is the potential correlation between sleep deprivation and sexual dysfunction, specifically erectile dysfunction (ED). Erectile dysfunction is associated with numerous causes such as psychological factors, underlying health conditions, lifestyle choices, and even side effects of medication. Certain sleep disorders, such as sleep apnoea, have also been linked to an increased risk of erectile dysfunction. Sleep apnoea, characterised by interrupted breathing during sleep, can disrupt both the quality and quantity of sleep, leading to decreased oxygen levels and impaired erectile function. Adequate sleep is crucial for maintaining hormonal balance in the body, including testosterone levels, which play a significant role in sexual function. Studies have revealed that chronic sleep deprivation can lead to decreased testosterone production, leading to decreased sexual desire and impaired erectile function.

Sleep deprivation has also been associated with poor cardiovascular health, including increased blood pressure and an elevated risk of heart disease. These cardiovascular issues can disrupt the blood flow necessary for achieving and maintaining an erection, contributing to erectile dysfunction.

Additionally, sleep deprivation has a profound impact on an individual’s mental health. Chronic sleeplessness can lead to increased stress levels, anxiety, and depression, all of which are known psychological factors that contribute to erectile dysfunction.

Unhealthy lifestyle habits, often associated with sleep deprivation, can further exacerbate the risk of erectile dysfunction. Factors such as excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, poor diet, and sedentary behaviour can compound the negative effects of sleeplessness on sexual function. Treating sleep deprivation and improving sleep quality could potentially enhance sexual functioning. Adopting healthy sleep hygiene practices, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, limiting caffeine intake, and ensuring a comfortable sleeping environment are essential steps toward restoring adequate sleep patterns.

Sleep deprivation has a multifaceted impact on various aspects of well-being, including sexual health. The correlation between sleep deprivation and erectile dysfunction highlights the importance of recognising and addressing sleep-related issues in individuals experiencing sexual difficulties. By prioritising restful sleep and adopting healthy lifestyle habits, individuals can mitigate the detrimental effects of sleep deprivation on sexual function and improve their overall quality of life.