Low quality of life and depression may contribute to erectile dysfunction in men with sleep apnea

Burdens related to poor sleep may put men with sleep apnea at increased risk of erectile dysfunction.

In a study of 713 male patients who visited Seoul National University Hospital for snoring and/or daytime sleepiness from 2006 to 2014, depressive symptoms and a low quality of life due to sleep problems were clearly linked to erectile dysfunction.

The findings suggest that psychological interventions may improve the sexual health of men with sleep apnea.

"It is important that physicians ask male obstructive sleep apnea patients if they have any erectile dysfunction. If yes, any psychological problems including depression should be considered," said Dr. Hyun-Woo Shin, co-author of The Journal of Sexual Medicine study.