- Morning erections are completely normal and healthy. They’re an important sign that you have good sexual function.
- Being able to get a morning erection is a helpful indicator that your heart, blood vessels and nervous system are functioning properly.
- Not getting “morning wood”—also known as nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) or nocturnal erections—can be a sign of erectile dysfunction.
What Causes Morning Wood?
- An erection—the enlarged, rigid state of the penis—can occur throughout an assigned male’s life.
- The cause of morning wood is not well understood, but there are two main thoughts:-
- Hormone theory: Norepinephrine is the hormone that counters the effects of nitrergic hormones, which are the ones that promote erections.
During deep sleep, levels of norepinephrine drop, causing nitrergic hormones to spike. This leads to an erection while you sleep that may still be present when you wake.
- Bladder theory: A full bladder at night can provoke a reflex to prevent urination. The sacral nerves responsible for an erection can be compressed by the enlarged bladder, which can cause what’s referred to as a “reflex erection.” This can linger into the morning, usually until you pee.
Can ED Affect Morning Erections?
- Erectile dysfunction (ED), defined as the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sex, is one possible reason some assigned males don’t have morning wood.
- Physiological causes for ED refers to problems with the nerves, hormones, blood vessels, and smooth muscles that enable an erection.
- Psychogenic ED caused by psychological issues such as relationship problems, performance anxiety, low self-esteem, or depression.
When to see a doctor:-
- Because morning wood is an indicator of quality sleep and the health of sexual organs, it is helpful to pay attention to how often morning wood happens.
- If morning wood suddenly stops or is happening much less frequently, speak with a doctor. They may wish to discuss possible health conditions, such as sleep disorders, hormonal imbalances, anxiety, and ED.
- It is important to see a doctor about a lack of morning wood, as it can be a symptom of ED. This condition can indicate serious health issues, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes, especially in younger males. A health professional can help treat these conditions, including ED.
