From the Guidelines
Morning wood, or nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT), is a normal physiological response that occurs during sleep due to hormonal changes and brain activity, and its presence is actually an indicator of healthy erectile function. During REM sleep, the brain becomes more active while simultaneously inhibiting certain neurotransmitters that normally prevent erections, as noted in the context of erectile dysfunction evaluation 1. Testosterone levels are highest in the early morning, contributing to this phenomenon, and as stated in the AUA guideline on erectile dysfunction, morning serum total testosterone levels should be measured in all men with ED to determine if testosterone deficiency is present 1. Additionally, the bladder filling overnight can stimulate nearby nerves, potentially triggering an erection. Morning erections are completely normal and typically occur 3-5 times per night during sleep cycles, with the final one often noticed upon waking. This physiological response doesn't require sexual stimulation and is separate from sexual arousal. Some key points to consider about morning wood include:
- It is a normal bodily function that resolves on its own shortly after waking
- Its presence indicates healthy erectile function, while its absence could potentially indicate underlying health issues affecting erectile function, such as cardiovascular problems, diabetes, or low testosterone levels, as suggested by the relationship between low testosterone and reduced libido or loss of nocturnal penile tumescence 1
- No treatment is needed for morning wood as it is a natural phenomenon
- Testosterone levels, which are highest in the morning, play a role in this phenomenon, and measuring morning serum total testosterone levels can help determine if testosterone deficiency is present 1.
From the Research
Morning Wood Explanation
The phenomenon of morning wood, also known as nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT), has been studied extensively in various research papers.
- NPT is a natural process that occurs in healthy males, characterized by erections during sleep, particularly during the rapid eye movement (REM) stage 2.
- These erections are not necessarily related to sexual dreams or desires, but rather a result of the body's natural physiological processes 3.
- Studies have shown that NPT is a common occurrence in healthy males, with a significant correlation between NPT and testosterone levels 2, 4.
- The frequency and intensity of NPT can vary depending on age, with younger men experiencing more frequent and intense erections 3, 4.
- Testosterone replacement therapy has been shown to increase NPT in hypogonadal men, suggesting a link between testosterone levels and NPT 5.
- NPT has also been studied in relation to sleep patterns, with research indicating that NPT is more likely to occur during REM sleep 2, 6.
- Additionally, NPT has been investigated as a potential indicator of erectile dysfunction, with some studies suggesting that NPT can be used to distinguish between biogenic and psychogenic impotence 3.