Sleep, supposed to be the cornerstone of good health, is the most dispensable part of our lives today. Work hours spill into our personal time and we extend our bedtime deadline to make more time for other commitments. "Some people tend to cut down on sleep to make sure other responsibilities, work and familial, are met. The urge to ‘get the job done’ somehow proves to be stressful on the body," says Dr. Sandeep Patil, Chief Intensivist and Physician, Fortis Hospital, Kalyan.

According to a recent survey, 60 percent Indian don't prioritise sleep and barely get a decent shut-eye. It's common knowledge that a lack of sleep can worsen existing health problems and even affect the way your brain works. But here's what you didn't know: Sleep deficit is a wrecking ball that can destroy your sex life and your marriage. "Lack of sleep is known to have adverse effects on the brain, heart, weight and life in general. However, specifically in males, sleep deprivation has been said to cause erectile dysfunction," says Dr. Patil. In this article, the doctor explains how compromising sleep can adversely affect your sex life.

Low Testosterone

"It is proven, that most Testosterone is produced while sleeping; highest levels are produced during REM (deep stages of sleep) sleep. When a man is sleep-deprived, his testosterone levels drop to as much as 70 percent," says Dr. Patil. Studies also show that sleep deprivation and sleep apnea (caused by interrupted breathing) have been causing erectile dysfunction in more than 60 percent of men. Do you follow these good sleep habits?

Mood Disorders

Lack of sleep can often cause mood disorders, which can impact the person's relationship with his wife. "Males who are deprived of sleep tend to be aggressive and intolerable, which in turn affects intimate relationships," says

Dr. Patil.

Exhaustion and Poor Stamina

Lack of sleep can be very exhausting and can eventually cause fatigue. Low energy levels translate to poor stamina, which can affect a man's sexual performance. "Sleep deprivation can thus stall sexual functioning and energy," the doctor adds.

Ejaculation Shortfall

Sleep deprivation can heighten anxiety and stress in people, making the hormones go out of whack. With more cortisol and less serotonin in the body, the functioning of the nervous system gets adversely affected. Premature ejaculation is a direct consequence of this. It sets off a vicious cycle, which breeds more dissatisfaction, low self-esteem and stress, worsening the problem.

Accelerated Ageing

"Lack of sleep speeds up the ageing process and can, therefore, obstruct sexual activities," says Dr. Patil. One of the first casualties of ageing in men is sexual health. The sexual function starts diminishing as the body ages and problems like erectile dysfunction become common in males.

Bad sleep quality, however, may be brought on by a lot of factors, not just a busy lifestyle. Dr. Patil recommends seeking medical help or discussing the matter with the partner or doctor in such cases. " Men who have been treated for such cases have shown improvement in sleep patterns which have progressively enhanced sexual functions. Most men require at least 7-8 hours of sleep for testosterone to be produced; to maintain adequate sexual function it is important to get good quality sleep," he concludes.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 07, 2018 06:10 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).