Dr. Ryan Malone
Sleep is a very important topic that is often ignored. Most Americans fall well below what is considered a good night’s sleep. It has long been recognized in urology that poor sleep can have a detrimental effect on the urinary tract. Recently, this has become more emphasized in urology due to the relationship to hypogonadism, also known as low testosterone. Sometimes correcting sleep can correct this as well. Even if the problem persists, correcting sleep prior to testosterone replacement therapy can greatly improve safety. Other urologic complaints are also related. Persistent nocturia, or waking up multiple times at night to urinate, can be a symptom of poor sleep. Erectile dysfunction can also be a symptom. There are multiple sources available to gain insight into good sleep habits.
Sleep apnea is a more serious sleep disturbance that needs to be screened by a physician. Often, this can be as simple as a home sleep study. One could contact their primary care physician, or our physicians at First Urology are increasingly more aware and proactive in helping to screen for sleep disorders.
Please take a look at the following National Institutes of Health article for more information on sleep and the effects it has on your health.
A Good Night's Sleep