Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type of sleep apnea. It’s a potentially serious disorder. People with OSA stop breathing repeatedly during sleep. They often snore and have difficulty sleeping.

Sleep disorders can affect your testosterone and oxygen levels, which may lead to issues such as erectile dysfunction (ED). A 2025 review of research has shown a high prevalence of ED in those with obstructive sleep apnea, though doctors aren’t exactly sure why.

Recent studies and reviews continue to show a high prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) among men with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), though estimates vary depending on study design, population, and severity of OSA.

A 2022 study involving people with OSA indicated a 64.52% prevalence of existing ED, rising to 73% in those with severe OSA.

The 2025 research review noted that across different studies, prevalence rates as high as 82% have been reported.

Meanwhile, a 2022 review of literature indicated the incidence of ED in OSA patients ranged from 40.9% to 80%.

Researchers still aren’t sure exactly why the two conditions are so closely linked, but possible explanations include:

  • hormonal imbalances
  • reduced oxygen levels during sleep
  • changes in blood vessel or nerve function

Sleep deprivation caused by sleep apnea may cause testosterone levels to dip. It may also restrict oxygen. Testosterone and oxygen are both important for healthy erections. Researchers have also suggested that stress and fatigue related to lack of sleep may make sexual problems worse.

Research has shown a link between endocrine system dysfunction and sleep disorders. Hormone overactivity between the brain and the adrenal gland may affect sleep function and cause wakefulness.

There are several types of sleep apnea, although the main three are:

  • obstructive sleep apnea
  • central sleep apnea
  • complex sleep apnea syndrome

All three versions of the sleep disorder have similar symptoms, which sometimes makes it harder to receive a proper diagnosis. Common sleep apnea symptoms include:

  • loud snoring
  • periods where you stop breathing during your sleep, often noticed by another person
  • waking up abruptly with a shortness of breath, which is more common in central sleep apnea
  • waking up with a sore throat or dry mouth
  • headaches in the morning
  • difficulty getting to and staying asleep
  • excessive daytime sleepiness, also known as hypersomnia
  • problems concentrating or paying attention
  • irritability or mood changes

Although more research is needed, scientists have found that treating obstructive sleep apnea may also help ease symptoms of erectile dysfunction. CPAP therapy, which delivers pressurized air through a mask to keep your airway open, has been linked to improved erections and better overall sexual function.

A 2013 study found that men with sleep apnea who underwent tissue removal surgery, known as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), also saw a decrease in ED symptoms. A more recent study from 2022 found that transoral robotic surgery (TORS), a newer way to treat sleep apnea, improved ED. But, interestingly, the researchers noted that improved ED wasn’t directly tied to how much the sleep apnea improved. This suggests other factors — changes in oxygen levels, hormones, or nerve function — may also play a role.

More recently, the 2022 study indicated that 6 months after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), men with obstructive sleep apnea experienced both a reduction in the severity of apnea episodes and a meaningful increase in erectile function scores. This suggests a potential benefit of UPPP for ED.

In addition to CPAP and certain surgical procedures, other treatments for obstructive sleep apnea include:

  • using other positive airway pressure devices, such as bilevel PAP or auto-adjusting PAP (APAP), which deliver different air pressures to keep your airway open
  • using an expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) device placed over each nostril to help keep your airway open during sleep
  • wearing an oral appliance designed to reposition your jaw or tongue to prevent airway collapse
  • using additional oxygen
  • treating underlying medical issues that may contribute to sleep apnea, such as nasal obstruction or hypothyroidism

In milder cases, lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and losing weight may help. If your symptoms are caused or worsened by allergies, medications to help control allergies may improve your symptoms.

Research has found a clear connection between obstructive sleep apnea and ED. Scientists don’t yet fully understand why the two are linked, but evidence suggests that treating OSA may help improve ED symptoms. This may be due to better oxygenation and higher testosterone levels that come with improved sleep quality.

Talk with your healthcare professional if you’re experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea or ED. Treating OSA may not only help you get and keep an erection more often, but it can also lower your risk of other health problems, including heart disease.