Sleep Apnea affects sexual desire?

by Brian
(New York)

I've been lightheaded for 8 months none stop and having problems getting an erection can this b a sleep apnea problem cause my life and my relationship is a mess because of it..... Next week I'm going for a sleep study.... Thank you, Brian

Answer

If you have nonstop light-headedness for eight months, then I believe you have something serious. The cause could be sleep apnea, because this sleep disorder affects the level of oxygen and carbon dioxide from your blood.

I presume you already know that if you have sleep apnea, you stop breathing in your sleep. If you have a serious sleep apnea, you probably hold your breath for at least 30 seconds.

Try to hold your breath one time just for 30 seconds, then try to do that 100 times per hour! It seems impossible, right?

Now you can understand why a sleep apnea patient is so "anemic", drowsy or light-headed during the day...everyday. Not to mention the desire for sex, or erection problems...

To answer to your question, sleep apnea definitely affects the mood and the libido of every patient. Depression is also present and affects the quality of life.

Brian, don't be upset about these problems. Have you ever seen a person with sleep apnea who was successfully treated with CPAP? I bet that he regained his quality of life back, and also his sexual desire.

Yes, just like that! CPAP is very effective, especially for patients with moderate obstructive apnea. The trick is to tolerate the CPAP therapy. You can learn about this problem here.

But first, go to the sleep study and then maybe we'll speak again.

Good luck!