Why Men Fall Asleep After Sex

Health Topics: Sexual Health: Men's Sexual Health

Content provided by:

Disrupted sleep decreases erections

If you’re struggling with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), you’re at risk for sexual dysfunction. OSA is a sleep disorder that affects 18 million Americans—many of whom go undiagnosed—and causes sufferers to stop breathing dozens of times per hour.

OSA disrupts rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep, which is when men routinely experience erections. Decreased REM sleep means fewer REM erections, which affects sexual health. “It’s possible that men need to experience REM erections in order to maintain optimal sexual functioning,” says Dr. Charles Atwood, associate director of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's Sleep Medicine Center.

“If you have erectile dysfunction, you should get tested for OSA,” he advises. “Men who are diagnosed and treated for OSA often see an improvement in sexual functioning.”

Eco-friendly transportation could damage your testicles

Whether you’re bicycling to reduce your carbon footprint, save money on gas or get fit, make sure you’re cushioned properly. Cycling doesn’t cause male infertility, but it can lead to testicular damage, impaired sperm functioning and erectile problems. Urological surgeon Vinod Nargund from St. Bartholomew’s and Homerton Hospitals in London found that mountain bikers are more affected than road cyclists.

Dr. Nargund lists the potential problems of prolonged cycling: abrasions, chafing, damaged hair follicles and bruising. Sweating may cause skin problems and a general soreness.

Symptoms to watch for include genital numbness, erection problems and skin irritations. To stay healthy, wear shorts with protective padding. Make sure your seat is also padded, and adjust its position so it doesn’t put pressure on your groin.

Varicocele can cause male infertility

Infertility affects one in six couples, and male factors contribute to at least half of all cases. According to the Center of Reproductive Medicine at Cornell University, the most common identifiable cause of male infertility is varicocele, or enlarged veins in the scrotum. Another possibility is a blockage in the reproductive tract.

Simply being older also affects your fertility. Recent research from the Eylau Centre for Assisted Reproduction in France shows a connection between men over age 35, lower pregnancy rates and higher miscarriage rates. Keep your sperm strong by eating nutritiously, exercising regularly and decreasing your stress level.

Big news

An average penis length of 5 erect and 3 flaccid inches is normal for men—that’s significantly smaller than what most men think is normal.

“Generally, every man [and woman] believes the ultimate in sexiness and masculinity is to have a larger-than-average penis,” says sexologist Dr. Trina Read. “The fact is, men with large penises often find it difficult to find a partner who is comfortable having intercourse and giving oral sex.”

During intercourse, penis size has little to do with partner satisfaction. Most of the sensitive nerve endings are concentrated close to a woman’s vaginal opening—which means a penis of any size can be highly pleasurable.

“What most women really want is technique,” says Dr. Read. The upside? A man who masters his technique in bed may get away with falling asleep right after sex.

Find More on MSN Health & Fitness:

< Previous | 1 | 2

Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen is a full-time freelance writer on Bowen Island, BC, Canada. Her degrees are in Psychology and Education; her website is Quips & Tips for Healthy Women.