If you are struggling with erectile dysfunction (ED), know that you are not alone. Many men struggle with the inability to hold an erection during sex and thusly feel immense shame about their secret disorder. It’s been confirmed that about a fifth of men in the UK struggle with erectile dysfunction, and that’s only counting the men who actually get treatment. It’s a sensitive topic that many men are hesitant to discuss with their doctors and loved ones in fear of being seen as weak or inadequate. What many men don’t realise is that their lifestyle habits, namely their sleep (or lack thereof) can be a huge player in erectile dysfunction.

What is ED?

Erectile dysfunction is essentially the inability to stay erect during sex. Many men go through periods of erectile dysfunction in their lives depending on different factors like stress level and nutrition. Symptoms of ED include: trouble getting an erection, trouble keeping an erection and reduced sexual desire.

ED can be caused by psychological issues (anxiety, depression), heightened stress, alcoholism and sleep disorders. Lack of sleep and ED go hand in hand. Not getting enough sleep every night can be a huge cause of ED in men as well as lowered sex drive in women. In a recent study done by the University of Michigan, it was found that longer sleep duration was associated with higher levels of sexual desire the following day, 1 extra hour of sleep was linked to a 14% increase in the likelihood that the subject will engage in sex the next day and longer sleep duration was linked to better arousal overall.

It’s important to note that sleep is directly related to our overall stress level throughout the day. When you don’t get a solid eight hours in, you might find that you’re a bit on edge...maybe feeling a little frazzled and unfocused. This is your body trying to counteract the cortisol released by your body in an attempt to “stay awake”. In a recent study, it was found that sleep loss was directly related to a rise in blood pressure as well as an increase in cortisol secretion. It was discovered that lack of sleep ended up activating the sympathetic nervous system, leaving the subject in a perpetual state of anxiety. As we already know, being in a state of high stress and anxiety can have detrimental effects to a person’s health, including sex drive.

ED is incredibly common and although is tends to affect men over 75, it can be commonly experienced by men of all ages.

What’s troubling is that ED can stem from both physical and psychological causes, so the man himself is often blamed for his ED. ED is a real disorder that can affect men of all different shapes, sizes and ages. In fact, according to study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, 1 in 4 of all patients with ED are under the age of 40. It’s more common than you might think, and luckily, there are many effective ways to treat it.

How to cope with ED

Here are a few easy and natural ways to treat ED caused by lack of sleep naturally:

1. Reduce stress by exercising regularly

It’s a vicious circle - ED probably started due to stress and lack of sleep and then it’s the reason keeping you awake at night because it’s worrying. Try exercising in early evening - it increases blood flow, lowers cortisol in the body and is an all-around boost in health. Try about 30 minutes of exercise, 5 days a week and see if you notice any improvements on your overall stress levels and sex drive.

2. Try Rhodiola Rosea

In a study published in the Journal of the American Botanical Council, it was found that ED patients who were given 150-200 mg of Rhodiola rosea per day for three months, experience significant improvements in their sexual function. Rhodiola is an adaptogenic herb meaning that unlike “mimetic herbs”, it forces your body to adapt and works as a sort of support system when your body is going through stress.

3. Try Magnesium

In a 2011 study, it was found that low magnesium stores were a main contributor to vascular stiffness. Healthy erections rely on abundant blood flow and when your heart isn’t pumping blood optimally, ED may result. Keeping your magnesium levels up is crucial in treating and overcoming ED. Our Advanced Night-Time Nutrients contain 3 types of magnesium which when used in tandem, corrects magnesium deficiencies like no other magnesium supplement out there.

4. Chamomile is another great herbal treatment

Chamomile has been touted as a calming tonic and sleep aid for ages and believe it or not, things haven’t changed much in the last 1000 years. Chamomile is a great herb to take when you are feeling stressed and “activated”. Remember, you don’t want to release anymore cortisol than you need to ED, stress and anxiety don’t mix well. Remember, heightened stress and ED are tightly linked. Steep some chamomile tea on a regular basis to make sure you’re keeping your anxiety levels in check. You will also find chamomile in our Advanced Night-Time Nutrients formula.

5. Kegels can eradicate general stress and ED

Kegels aren’t just for women anymore! Men with ED can benefit from daily kegel exercises as they increase blood flow to their genital area. All you need to do is squeeze the muscles responsible for holding in urination and passing gas. Try to do at least 20 reps per day. You can do them sitting, standing or laying down. Kegels promote a strong pelvic floor which is directly related to sexual ability.

6. Take amino acids

Amino acids like l-taurine help the body to produce nitric oxide which relaxes blood vessels, encouraging a healthy erection. Amino acids have become an incredibly popular natural/herbal ED treatment among men who experience it. You can find l-taurine, a potent amino acid, in our sleep aid formula.

7. Keep your stress levels low and get optimal sleep for ED treatment

Make sure you get your proper shut eye and keep your stress and ED at bay by taking a sleep supplement before bed. Our Advanced Night-Time Nutrients is a complex formula of natural ingredients which when used together, provide the user with a full body feeling of calm and relaxation.

Our Advanced Night-Time Nutrient formula is a premium natural sleep aid that includes the ingredients taurine and magnesium. Combine a healthy sleep routine with our sleep aid for highly effective results. Don’t just take our work for it. 98% of our customers would recommend us to a friend and 97% slept better.