Caffeine and Erectile Dysfunction

By Lindsay Curtis Updated on May 01, 2023
Medically reviewed by Jamin Brahmbhatt, MD

This article is a repost which originally appeared on verywellhealth

Edited for content. The opinions expressed in this article may not reflect the opinions of this site’s editors, staff or members.

Key Points

‧ Moderate doses of caffeine may improve sexual function.

‧ Caffeine consumption can have a positive effect on emotional health.

‧ Caffeine sensitivity usually increases with age.

Coffee before sex may do more than just wake up the brain. Some research suggests that males who drink two to three cups of coffee a day have lower odds of developing erectile dysfunction, possibly because coffee may stimulate blood flow to the penis.

This article explains how coffee affects sexual performance and reproductive health.

How Coffee Improves Sex

In addition to providing a boost of energy, drinking coffee can make sex better in a variety of ways. Coffee is rich in antioxidants, which can protect blood vessels, aid circulation, and possibly improve blood flow to the penis, helping men get and maintain erections.

Erectile Function

Men who drink two to three cups of coffee per day may have an easier time getting and maintaining an erection.

In fact, one study found that men who consumed between 85-170 milligrams of caffeine per day were 42% less likely to experience erectile dysfunction, which is the inability to get or maintain an erection that is firm enough for sexual activity.

Those who consumed between 171-303 milligrams of caffeine a day were 39% less likely to report ED compared to those who didn’t consume caffeine.

This may be due to caffeine relaxing the arteries and smooth muscle in the penis, allowing more blood flow and improving erectile function. It may also be because caffeine intake may boost testosterone levels, and having low levels may contribute to ED. Research shows that men who regularly consume caffeinated coffee have higher levels of testosterone than those who do not consume it.

However, a more recent study found no association between caffeine intake and ED.

ED Prevalence

ED is very common. Though the risk of ED increases with age, young men can also experience the condition. Estimates on the prevalence of ED vary, but it is estimated that one out of every 10 men will experience the condition at some point during their life.

Improved Libido

It’s possible that caffeine can ramp up your sex drive. Caffeine is a stimulant, which is a drug that can increase energy and alertness by speeding up your brain and body. This increased energy may also give your sex drive a boost.

In addition to boosting energy levels, caffeine may also increase testosterone levels in men. Research shows that men who regularly consume caffeinated coffee have higher levels of testosterone than those who do not consume it.

One study found that consuming more than 4 milligrams of coffee prior to exercising boosts testosterone levels in athletes. An older study showed that chewing caffeine gum may elevate testosterone levels by up to 14%.

Caffeine’s possible ability to increase testosterone levels may also boost sex drive, as low levels have been linked with low libido.

However, scientists haven’t published research on the effect of coffee on libido in humans.

Decreased Stress

Caffeine may lower anxiety and elevate mood, which could make a coffee drinker happier and more relaxed during sex.

Researchers believe that caffeine can reduce anxiety by blocking receptors of the chemical adenosine, which can prevent the brain from causing a stress response.  However, this may only be the case for low to moderate coffee drinkers. Heavy caffeine intake can actually cause higher anxiety levels.

Side Effects

Though coffee may offer some health benefits, it’s important to drink it in moderation. Too much caffeine can cause a host of unwanted side effects, including:

‧ Anxiety
‧ Jitters
‧ Headache
‧ Insomnia
‧ Increased heart rate
‧ Upset stomach
‧ Dependency

The Food and Drug Administration recommends consuming no more than 400 milligrams (about four to five cups of coffee) per day to avoid side effects.

Caffeine Sensitivity

If you have caffeine sensitivity, even a small amount of caffeine can make you feel unwell. There are varying degrees of caffeine sensitivity: one person may be unaffected, while another won’t be able to sleep hours after consuming it. Caffeine sensitivity tends to increase with age, so you may find you need less coffee as you get older.

How Much Coffee Before Sex?

Coffee boosts energy levels, improves physical endurance, and increases neurotransmitters associated with elevated mood, which can all serve to help improve your sex life.

However, you don’t need to drink an excessive amount of coffee before sex to enjoy the benefits. One or two cups 45 minutes prior to sexual activity may help improve ED, boost testosterone, and give you the energy you need for a positive sexual experience.

Do Energy Drinks Help Sexual Performance?

While caffeine consumed in coffee is generally well tolerated by most people, energy drinks can have a number of negative effects, and there is no evidence to show that energy drinks can help with sexual performance. In fact, long-term consumption of energy drinks is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular problems, sleep disorders, dental problems, obesity, and calcium deficiency.

Summary

Coffee may be a natural way to help improve your sex life. More research is needed to say for sure, but it appears that drinking coffee can reduce your chances of erectile dysfunction and increase your libido. Coffee may also reduce anxiety and stress, thus making sex more relaxing and enjoyable.

You don’t need to drink much coffee to benefit from its effects. One or two cups 45 minutes before sex should be enough. Avoid drinking more than four or five cups a day, since excess caffeine can lead to unwanted side effects like insomnia and anxiety.

Though some people do find coffee to be helpful, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider if you have ED or other concerns about your sexual performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does drinking coffee before sex improve testosterone?

Research suggests that coffee may temporarily boost testosterone levels, which may be beneficial before sex.  Drinking coffee can also result in the relaxation of the cavernous smooth muscle found in the penis and improve blood supply through penile arteries to enhance blood flow to the penis.

What is the link between coffee and testosterone?

Coffee may help boost testosterone levels in men. One study found that men who consumed caffeine five times a day had higher levels of testosterone than men who did not consume it. Researchers concluded that caffeine may act as an aromatase inhibitor (blocking estrogen), which may boost testosterone production. Another study found that caffeine may improve exercise and training outcomes due to its ability to moderately boost testosterone levels.

Does caffeine improve ED?

Moderate levels of caffeine consumption may help improve erectile dysfunction. Research shows that men who consume between 85-170 milligrams of caffeine are 42% less likely to experience erectile dysfunction compared to those who don’t consume caffeine.

Do the symptoms of caffeine sensitivity increase with age?

Yes, caffeine sensitivity increases with age. Young people metabolize caffeine much more quickly than older adults. One study found that it takes seniors 33% longer to metabolize caffeine compared to younger adults.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Lopez DS, Wang R, Tsilidis KK, et al. Role of caffeine intake on erectile dysfunction in US men: results from NHANES 2001-2004. PLOS ONE. 2015;10(4):e0123547. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0123547

Maggi, M., Rastrelli, G., & Corona, G. (2020). Both comorbidity burden and low testosterone can explain symptoms and signs of testosterone deficiency in men consulting for sexual dysfunction. Asian Journal of Andrology, 22(3), 265. https://doi.org/10.4103/aja.aja_61_19

Wedick NM, Mantzoros CS, Ding EL, et al. The effects of caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee on sex hormone-binding globulin and endogenous sex hormone levels: a randomized controlled trial. Nutr J. 2012;11(1):86. doi:10.1186/1475-2891-11-86

Lopez DS, Liu L, Rimm EB, et al. Coffee intake and incidence of erectile dysfunction. Am J Epidemiol. 2018;187(5):951-959. doi:10.1093/aje/kwx304

Cleveland Clinic. Erectile dysfunction.

Anwar, S., Verma, P., & Dutt, R. (2022). Role of caffeine in inducing anxiety by reducing brain serotonin synthesis blocking adenosine receptors (A1, A2A, A2B, and A3). Current Traditional Medicine, 8(4). https://doi.org/10.2174/2215083808666220321145436

Richards, G., & Smith, A. (2015). Caffeine consumption and self-assessed stress, anxiety, and depression in secondary school children. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 29(12), 1236–1247. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881115612404

Food and Drug Administration. Spilling the beans: how much caffeine is too much?

Landry TM, Saunders MJ, Akers JD, Womack CJ. Caffeine added to coffee does not alter the acute testosterone response to exercise in resistance trained males. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2019;59(9):1435-1441. doi:10.23736/S0022-4707.19.09183-7

Lopez DS, Liu L, Rimm EB, et al. Coffee intake and incidence of erectile dysfunction. Am J Epidemiol. 2018;187(5):951-959. doi:10.1093/aje/kwx304

Beaven CM, Hopkins WG, Hansen KT, Wood MR, Cronin JB, Lowe TE. Dose effect of caffeine on testosterone and cortisol responses to resistance exercise. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2008;18(2):131-141. doi:10.1123/ijsnem.18.2.131

Polasek TM, Patel F, Jensen BP, Sorich MJ, Wiese MD, Doogue MP. Predicted metabolic drug clearance with increasing adult age. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2013;75(4):1019-1028. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2125.2012.04446.x

 

 

How Can Sleep Affect Men’s Health?

By Hidaya Aliouche, B.Sc.
Reviewed by Sophia Coveney

This article is a repost which originally appeared on News Medical

Edited for content. The opinions expressed in this article may not reflect the opinions of this site’s editors, staff or members.

Key Points

‧ Adults should get an average of 8 hours of sleep per night.

‧ A lack of good sleep can cause many serious maladies.

‧ The use of a CPAP can be beneficial in many cases of sleep apnea

Sleep is known to affect several systems and processes in the body. Overarchingly, sleep deprivation is associated with negative health consequences.

With regards to specific effects of sleep on men’s health, dysfunctional sleeping patterns have been shown to impact erectile dysfunction, lower urinary tract symptoms, hypogonadal symptoms, low testosterone, and male infertility.

What is considered to be appropriate sleep?

The average number of hours of sleep required for an adult is between 7–9 for optimal health. However, a considerable number of adults do not meet this requirement.

A study conducted in 2012 demonstrated that 29.2% of men achieved an average of 6 hours or less of sleep each evening. the institute of Medicine further estimates that between 50 and 70 million Americans suffer from a chronic sleep disorder; this epidemic is associated with societal changes which include increased reliance on technology, increased working hours, and poor sleep hygiene.

In addition, non-standard shift working patterns can divulge significantly from circadian patterns which further increases the risk of impaired sleep quality.

The interrelationship between disrupted or inadequate sleep and the manifestation of disease

The relationship between health and sleep is bi-directional. There are several medical conditions associated with inadequate or disrupted sleep which include restless leg syndrome, insomnia, hypogonadism, sleep apnea, and depression.

Furthermore, several studies have revealed that short and sleep or disrupted sleep can produce health conditions including diabetes, coronary heart disease, hypertension, heart attacks, stroke, and several endocrine and cardiovascular disorders. Moreover, poor sleep also impacts the patients’ perception of symptoms and their severity alongside the clinical responses observed.

Combined with independent risk factors such as age, body mass in tax, mental health conditions that affect the perception of symptoms such as depression, and clinical characteristics, sleep functioning can moderate clinical symptoms and impact the quality of life experienced by patients.

Sleep and erectile dysfunction

In the general population, longitudinal studies have revealed that approximately 50% of men experienced erectile dysfunction to some degree. Several studies have reported that sleep can affect erectile dysfunction. For example, a cross-sectional analysis of 2676 men over the age of 67 found that those with a sleep dysfunction called nocturnal hypoxemia were more likely to experience moderate or complete erectile dysfunction.

In the same study, a similar condition that disrupts sleep, sleep apnea, was studied in relation to erectile dysfunction. In a randomized sham-controlled trial, a total of 61 men were assigned to groups to investigate whether the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) could improve erectile function in men who suffered from both erectile dysfunction and obstructive sleep apnea.

Overall, men who were randomized to CPAP showed no change in erectile dysfunction; however, when further examined in terms of patients who used the CPAP machine for over four hours per night, those who did so experienced a significant improvement. A placebo trial showed that a medication commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction did not significantly improve erectile dysfunction in these men.

These results suggest that in men with obstructive sleep apnea, sleep quality contributes to the condition, and may not respond to first-line treatment for erectile dysfunction with a PDE5 inhibitor; suggesting that in fact, correcting the underlying sleep impairment could produce more significant improvement in erectile dysfunction.

Alongside obstruction to breathing, non-standard shift work that has a significant effect on sleep has been shown to impact erectile dysfunction. A correlation between insomnia and erectile dysfunction has been confirmed by several studies. Some of these studies suggest that the correction of poor sleep in isolation may lead to a clinical improvement in manifestations of erectile dysfunction. This body of research continues to grow.

Sleep and lower urinary tract symptoms

Aging male populations commonly experience lower urinary tract symptoms. This is frequently associated with benign prostatic hypertrophy. Symptoms include poor urine stream, incomplete emptying of the bladder, straining, changes to the frequency of urination, urination hesitancy, and nocturia.

The urge to urinate is often exacerbated during the night, which leads to disrupted sleep and a decrease in overall sleep quality. A survey conducted on 5335 men who were diagnosed with lower urinary tract symptoms demonstrated that only 13% reported continuous sleep periods of more than two to three hours, illustrating the degree to which urinary tract symptoms can affect sleep.

Other studies have verified an association between lower urinary tract symptoms and other sleep-affecting conditions. For example, men with obstructive sleep apnea are more likely to experience urinary tract symptoms compared to those who do not. The severity of obstructive sleep apnea in this context has been found to correlate the most strongly with daytime frequency, urgency, and frequency of nocturia.

CPAP machines have been found to reduce lower urinary tract symptoms in those with obstructive sleep apnea. For example, a man with both lower urinary tract symptoms and obstructive sleep apnea who implemented CPAP for 12 months showed a significant increase in bladder compliance, as well as decreases in nocturia frequency and nighttime urination volumes.

Insomnia is also considered to be an aggravator of lower urinary tract symptoms as well as non-standard shift work.

Sleep and male fertility

Several studies have demonstrated that sperm counts have been decreasing over the past 40 years (50 to 60%). Unlike the linear correlation between erectile dysfunction and sleep, the relationship between sleep and male fertility is less clear.

Evidence suggests that an inverted U shape relationship exists, meaning that excessive and insufficient sleep are equally associated with reduced fertility. In a study of 198 infertile men, this relationship was found. However, interestingly no differences in semen volume, sperm motility, luteinizing hormone, or follicle-stimulating hormone were observed.

An additional study found via testicular biopsies in idiopathic infertile men that full circadian disruption – as manifested by too little or too much sleep – may affect the oxidation state of the testicle, shifting spermatogenesis.

Despite these correlative studies, no studies have assessed the impact of obstructive sleep apnea on fertility. With regards to non-standard shift work which impairs sleep quality, this has been suggested to impair spermatogenesis, although findings from studies have been inconsistent: some studies have demonstrated that men performing shift work had higher odds of experiencing infertility, while others have found no effect.

Conclusion

Poor sleep affects men and women alike. However, the unique effects in men concern urological problems, including erectile dysfunction, lower urinary tract symptoms, hypogonadism, and male infertility.

Alongside these, poor sleep is associated with a higher risk of several health problems that affect the quality of life including but not limited to cognitive impairment, social impairment, mood disturbances, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and associated manifestations such as atrial fibrillation.

References

‧  Kohn TP, Kohn JR, Haney NM, et al. (2020) The effect of sleep on men’s health. Transl Androl Urol. doi:10.21037/tau.2019.11.07.
‧  Irer B, Celikhisar A, Celikhisar H, et al. (2018) Evaluation of Sexual Dysfunction, Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Quality of Life in Men With Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome and the Efficacy of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy. Urology. doi:10.1016/j.urology.2018.08.001.
‧  Soterio-Pires JH, Hirotsu C, Kim LJ, et al. (2016)The interaction between erectile dysfunction complaints and depression in men: a cross-sectional study about sleep, hormones, and quality of life. Int J Impot Res. doi:10.1038/ijir.2016.4.
‧  McBride JA, Kohn TP, Rodriguez KM, et al. (2018) Incidence and characteristics of men at high risk for sleep apnea in a high volume andrology clinic. J Urol. 10.1016/j.juro.2018.02.1358.

 

 

The Best Lighting Hacks for a Good Night’s Sleep (And an Easier Morning)

Set the mood for settling into bed

By Michelle Tchea

Illustration by Soleil Summer
March 15, 2022

This article is a repost which originally appeared on Architectural Digest/Clever
Edited for content.

Our Takeaways:

· Many people do not get enough quality sleep to maintain optimal health

· Certain types of light received daily can have a profound effect on sleep

· Being exposed to blue light before sleep may cause difficulties

March celebrates the under appreciated art of a good night’s sleep—something many of us probably don’t get enough of. Statistics show that more than 25% of Americans have a sleep disorder, and that more than 70 million Americans have a form of insomnia—that’s a lot of sheep unaccounted for. In 1998 the National Sleep Foundation started a campaign to help get Americans thinking about the health benefits of sleep, and this is what we now know as Sleep Awareness Week.

Some may argue that the pandemic has strengthened this campaign with hotels offering sleep programs providing anything from better mattresses to medical consultations, a new trend in the wellness space. But if you think traveling to a tropical destination to sleep sounds a little ridiculous, there are ways to improve your sleeping habits in the comfort of your own home.

Although there are many factors that contribute to a good night’s sleep, one of the greatest problems (and easiest solutions) comes down to one word: Lighting. Specifically, how much you get during the day and also what you are exposed to before you crawl into bed.

According to Dr. Guénolé Addor, the medical director of the wellness and sleep program at Clinique Nescens in Switzerland, your body’s ability to sleep is controlled by your internal clock, which controls your feelings of hunger, thirst, fatigue, and ultimately sleep cycles. As he further explains, “Human beings have developed a natural cycle between daylight and nighttime. This cycle is called the circadian rhythm, and with increased exposure to sunlight during the day, it actually helps us sleep better at night.”

Even though Dr. Addor recommends sleeping seven to nine hours a day and mimicking the planet’s circadian rhythm (sleeping after the sun sets and waking up when it rises), he admits that, in the modern world, this is “rarely possible.” Although some habits are hard to break, like not drinking coffee after 2 p.m. and avoiding sleep-reducing blue light from devices before you jump into bed, Dr. Addor suggests simple tricks he refers to as “biohacks” to help you make the most of your time in bed. One of those hacks is as simple as changing the lighting in your bedroom.

A good amount of light in the form of sunlight is important for healthy sleeping patterns which programs your body’s internal clock to wake up and sleep at the right times in a 24-hour cycle. Conversely, light exposure at night can impact your ability to switch from being awake to sleep and reduce the quality of sleep, as found by Harvard Medical School. Dr. Addor confirms that too much light can cause repeat awakenings and stop you from having the appropriate restorative sleep recommended by the Sleep Foundation. “The ambient and subdued light in the evening (rich in red light) is particularly conducive to letting the brain know that it is time to relax and prepare for sleep,” he says.

Below are some mood-inducing lighting fixtures to swap into your bedroom to help you sleep–and wake–better and avoid becoming another statistic.

Night lights

All types of light impact the quality of your sleep and according to researchers from King’s College in London, the worst one is blue light (but only during the night), which is emitted by LEDs, tablets, and cell phones. “Light is arousing, it stimulates the brain and that’s the opposite of what we want when going to bed, so choose a warm light and definitely not anything that emits blue light,” says Michael Breus, the Sleep Doctor. The Casper Light, a favorite of Architectural Digest writer Zoë Sessums, produces a soft hue with LED white light to help you drift off to sleep.

Sufficient sunlight is important in harnessing a natural sleep-wake cycle, but if you live in an area where you can not get enough sun during the day, artificial lighting at home also works. The Verilux Happy Light mimics the sun’s natural light to help you fall asleep much easier at night. As Dr. Addor says, “If you live in a place without much sunlight, artificial light in the day and red light later in the day is recommended.”

Scientists have shown that the use of timed light like those from a sunrise alarm clock can be helpful in improving your sleep pattern. With the sunset-stimulated Philips Smart Sleep light, you can wake up with ease rather than to a squeaking beeping noise found in a regular alarm clock. “The ideal bedroom should be a temple of sleep,” Dr. Addor says. “Use a dawn simulator alarm clock to avoid the very harmful stress of a shrieking alarm going off in the morning, but don’t forget, the best way to wake up is a spontaneous and natural wake up.”

What we love about these little LED lights is that they have a very low light setting that won’t interfere with your sleep, but they also allow a steady nighttime pathway to your bathroom if you happen to wake up needing to go to the toilet. “If you need to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night, it is better to do so in the dark or with a red light because a bright light may prevent you from falling back to sleep,” Dr. Addor points out. “Turning the light on may trick the brain into thinking that it is already morning.”

According to Vibray Chandran Weisbecker, holistic wellness and mindfulness expert at Mindbody, freeing yourself of external disturbances and finding a peaceful location for sleep is essential to better sleeping patterns. “Most people don’t prefer sounds while sleeping. However, those that have difficulty falling asleep can use natural sounds such as soundtracks of crickets or ocean waves,” he says. “A guided sleep meditation before bed is also another excellent way to prepare for sleep.” This travel-friendly night light has both a soft glow and a variety of sounds to choose from including ocean, rain, and waves.

A self-professed insomniac, Alexandre Dujoncquoy designed this drug-free device to help you fall asleep more easily. A simple touch projects light onto the ceiling and helps you wind down. For those who want a bit of meditation to help you sleep, the gentle light works almost like counting sheep but with light pulses, producing an almost hypnotic effect to induce sleep.

“Avoid blue light at least one hour before going to bed like the light emitted by television screens, computers, and smartphones, even LED light bulbs,” Dr. Addor says. “Try reading a book by candlelight or incandescent bulb. A clever biohack is to use essential oils for sleep, like lavender, vanilla or ylang-ylang to promote sleep.” The HappyHaves Original Moon is both a lamp and essential oil diffuser, just like the doctor ordered.

Wake up lights

According to doctors waking up to both a soft-sounding alarm and soft light is important for a healthy sleep cycle. The Sunrise Alarm Clock not only has a sunrise simulation that emits soft light in the morning, but it also has a sunset mode to dim the light down as you get ready for bed.

If waking up to the sounds of chirping birds sounds good to all you city-dwellers out there, the MoMA Chirp Alarm Clock and Lamp is perfect for you. The intensity of the alarm gradually rises, giving you an opportunity to wake up naturally, rather than forcefully. “A great biohack is to never use the snooze button on your alarm clock. Instead, put the alarm clock away from your bed, this will make you get up to turn it off,” Dr. Addor adds.

The Lumie Body Clock Rise Lamps not only wake you up gradually in the morning by emitting natural sunlight but at night, but they also project an ambient light in your bedroom that mimics a fading sunset to help you fall asleep. Proven to help treat the winter blues, the lamp is a great addition to your bedroom according to wellness experts. “Mood lighting, such as salt lamps or nightlights, are a great solution for those that tend to wake up often from their sleep, as the muted warm light can be comforting,” Vibray explains. “The key is to use lighting that still keeps the room dark but lets in enough light to be able to get around if necessary.”