{"id":30098,"date":"2021-02-18T08:00:18","date_gmt":"2021-02-18T08:00:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.edrugstore.com\/blog\/?p=30098"},"modified":"2021-02-17T20:02:43","modified_gmt":"2021-02-17T20:02:43","slug":"what-does-your-penis-do-while-youre-sleeping","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.edrugstore.com\/blog\/erectile-dysfunction\/what-does-your-penis-do-while-youre-sleeping\/","title":{"rendered":"What Does Your Penis Do While You’re Sleeping?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Overview:\u00a0<\/strong>Nocturnal erections, sometimes referred to as \u201cmorning wood,\u201d are a natural occurrence among men. Men with erectile dysfunction (ED) may still experience nocturnal erections, but they may be less frequent. A decline in \u201cmorning wood\u201d could signal an underlying health condition, such as ED or heart disease.<\/p>\n

This article reviews nocturnal erections and how they might change in men living with ED or other underlying health conditions.<\/p>\n

What are Nocturnal Erections?<\/h3>\n

Nocturnal erections<\/a> are the erections that take place while men sleep. You may experience multiple erections throughout the night without realizing it. In fact, men have an average of five erections<\/a> each night.<\/p>\n

Nocturnal erections are sometimes referred to as \u201cnocturnal penile tumescence<\/a>\u201d (NPT) or \u201csleep-related erections\u201d (SREs). These erections are not related to sexual arousal or sexual dreams but are a normal physiological reaction to sleep. NPT is believed to occur thanks to a combination of sleep cycles, healthy nerves, and healthy blood flow.<\/p>\n

NPT typically takes place during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. These erections may come and go as your body enters and exits REM sleep throughout the night. They may also occur early in the morning, when testosterone levels are traditionally highest for men.<\/p>\n

The exact mechanism behind nocturnal erections is unknown, but these erections help keep a man’s reproductive system in working order. They also serve as a key indicator of overall health status for men.<\/p>\n

What if I Don\u2019t Experience Nocturnal Erections?<\/h3>\n

Erectile health is directly related to a man\u2019s overall health status<\/a>. If you do not experience nocturnal erections or you notice a decline in the frequency of \u201cmorning wood<\/a>,\u201d it could be an early sign of an underlying health concern. Men living with erectile dysfunction (ED) are less likely to experience multiple nocturnal erections or wake up with \u201cmorning wood.\u201d<\/p>\n

There are many reasons you may not notice or may not experience nocturnal erections. Men who suffer from sleep disorders (e.g., sleep apnea, insomnia) may notice a difference in the frequency of their nocturnal erections. If you have suddenly stopped experiencing nocturnal erections, you should speak with a medical provider.<\/p>\n

Potential reasons you may not experience nocturnal erections<\/a> are:<\/p>\n