Today we’re going to talk about a topic that, although it may seem taboo, is completely natural and, in fact, quite interesting: morning and night erections. So, if you’ve ever wondered what those “unexpected visitors” in the morning or at night mean, read on!
What are morning and night erections?
These penile erections are also known as Nocturnal Penile Tumescence (NPT) and are experienced in the early morning.
They are related to sleep, but not dreaming.
The average person sleeps between 7-9 hours a day, which is equivalent to 25%-33% of a 24-hour day.
Sleep is divided into two phases: the first is non-REM (non-rapid eye movement), which lasts between 70 and 90 minutes. It is a light sleep from which one can easily awaken. This is when body temperature and heart rate begin to drop, and the body begins to relax.
The second phase of sleep begins after 90 minutes and is called REM (rapid eye movement). Lasting 10 to 30 minutes, it is where the most vivid dreams occur and everything learned during the day is consolidated in memory. The REM phase is precisely the one associated with the onset of Nocturnal Penile Tumescence.
Since we experience 3-5 sleep cycles each night, this event occurs that same number of times.
They are not associated with erotic dreams, as some might think; it is simply a physiological issue involving proper hormonal, circulatory, neurological, and psychological balance. You’ll learn the details now.
Why do they occur?
Morning and night erections are part of the proper functioning of our body. For them to occur, several conditions must be present, such as:
• Proper activity of the Parasympathetic Nervous System.
• Adequate testosterone secretion.
• Optimal vascular health.
As previously mentioned, we all go through different sleep cycles throughout the night, and during these cycles, it is possible to experience several erections. However, this phenomenon occurs not only in men but also in women, and in women it is called Nocturnal Clitoral Tumescence.
REM sleep is the sleep phase in which we sleep deeply, and where the parasympathetic nervous system takes control, resulting in deep relaxation that promotes the dilation and filling of the cavernous bodies. These structures are responsible for maintaining an erection.
This mechanism of keeping the cavernous bodies filled with blood is thought to be important for maintaining optimal oxygenation of these tissues.
The importance of testosterone.
Testosterone is the main male sex hormone, although it is also produced in smaller quantities in women. It increases sexual desire, bone density, and muscle mass in both men and contributes greatly to the development of erections.
If we look at the circadian rhythm of testosterone, we find that this hormone begins to increase in the early morning, reaching its peak between 6:00 am and 10:00 am, which facilitates a pleasant awakening.
Factors that can alter the circadian rhythm of testosterone.
When the circadian rhythm of testosterone is altered, morning erections decrease significantly, which is an indicator that something is wrong with our body. Some of the most important factors are:
• Lack of sleep.
• Acute stress.
• Recent intense exercise.
• Alcohol or caffeine consumption.
• Smoking.
• Acute illness.
• Diabetes.
• Dyslipidemia.
• Sleep apnea.
Adequate vascular health.
Intact blood vessels and cavernous bodies, free from lesions or diseases that impair circulation and filling, are essential.
Ages at which they most frequently occur.
Erections are present from the fetal stage, peaking in adolescence and decreasing in incidence after age 70. This may vary depending on your health and lifestyle habits.
What do they tell us?
General health. The presence of morning and night erections is a good indicator that your body is healthy and your circulatory and nervous systems are functioning properly.
If you notice that these erections decrease or disappear, it could be a sign that something is wrong. This doesn’t mean you should panic; however, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor if the situation persists.
Emotional state. Sexual health and mental health go hand in hand; they are closely related. The presence of anxiety, depression, and stress significantly affect sexuality.
Quality sleep.
These types of erections are a thermometer with which you can measure your health, but above all, the quality of your sleep—that is, uninterrupted sleep after which you wake up rested and eager to start a new day.
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What to do if there are problems?
If you notice that your morning and night erections have decreased or disappeared, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Sometimes, it can be a sign of underlying conditions such as hormonal imbalance, diabetes, or stress. A doctor can offer you a proper diagnosis and treatment options if necessary.
In conclusion.
Morning and night erections are natural phenomena that tell us our body is functioning properly. Not only are they a sign of physical health, but they can also reflect our emotional well-being and the quality of our sleep.
So, the next time you wake up with an erection, remember that it’s just your body doing what it does best!
Bibliographic References
- Thase, M. E., Reynolds III, C. F., Jennings, J. R., Frank, E., Howell, J. R., Houck, P. R., … & Kupfer, D. J. (1988). Nocturnal penile tumescence is diminished in depressed men. Biological Psychiatry, 24(1), 33-46.
- Reynolds, C. F., Thase, M. E., Jennings, J. R., Howell, J. R., Frank, E., Berman, S. R., … & Kupfer, D. J. (1989). Nocturnal penile tumescence in healthy 20-to 59-year-olds: a revisit. Sleep, 12(4), 368-73.
- Morales, A., Condra, M., & Reid, K. (1990). The role of nocturnal penile tumescence monitoring in the diagnosis of impotence: a review. The Journal of urology, 143(3), 441-446.
- Schiavi, R. C., & Schreiner-Engel, P. (1988). Nocturnal penile tumescence in healthy aging men. Journal of Gerontology, 43(5), M146-M150.
