A lot of guys take melatonin to help them sleep, but there’s also some evidence that it can be effective in treating erectile dysfunction (ED). But does taking melatonin cause ED? Let’s discuss what the science says about this issue and how to get your dose of melatonin without causing impotence or putting your sex life in jeopardy. The effects of melatonin on erectile dysfunction is a question that recently came up recently, so let’s dive in.

What Is Melatonin?

Melatonin plays an important role in regulating sleep patterns, including when you go to sleep and how long you stay asleep. Exposure to light can suppress melatonin production at night, so if you spend a lot of time on your phone or staring at a computer screen late at night, your natural melatonin production may be reduced.

People who have trouble falling or staying asleep sometimes take melatonin supplements to help them sleep better. These can usually be purchased over-the-counter as pills or gummies. Some people take melatonin supplements to treat other conditions or health problems, such as:

• Alzheimer’s disease
• anxiety
• depression
• migraines

Melatonin and Sleep

Melatonin, when taken as recommended (1mg-2mg), has been shown to help people get a good night’s sleep. Sleep is one of many important factors in achieving and maintaining erections, including vasodilation and relaxation of muscles. A poor sleep cycle can greatly inhibit an erection, both by being at odds with a man’s normal cycle or by causing tension or anxiety while he sleeps. 

Either way, it makes sense that anything that helps you get more zzz’s will also boost your ability to achieve and maintain an erection. But don’t think that just because melatonin is natural it can’t have side effects; be sure to check with your doctor before taking melatonin for sleep if you have any health conditions, such as low sexual performance or erectile dysfunction.

What Is ED (Erectile Dysfunction)?

What is ED and how does it differ from impotence (which, contrary to popular belief, is not a synonym for ED)? First of all, let’s get clear on what erectile dysfunction actually means. Erectile dysfunction is not a single condition or disease; rather, it’s a blanket term used to describe several different medical conditions that result in difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection. These conditions include everything from low testosterone levels to high blood pressure. 

Why Do We Experience ED?

According to a study conducted by Boston University, men who sleep for more than eight hours have higher rates of ED and dementia than those who sleep for eight hours or less. This is because long sleeping can cause abnormal hormone levels to rise, leading to erection problems. Men should aim for six to eight hours of sleep per night.

If you’re experiencing ED, talk with your doctor about what you can do.

The Effects of Melatonin on Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition that indirectly causes problems to approximately 30 million men in America alone. ED can cause embarrassment, frustration, and performance anxiety. With time your sex life may suffer as well. Many researchers believe there is a link between melatonin and erectile that can directly cause dysfunction in men. However, there are conflicting studies on whether or not melatonin causes erectile dysfunction or if there even is a link at all. 

Let’s take a look at some of these findings to see what we can learn about how melatonin impacts erectile function. In particular, we will focus on 3 major research studies that found conflicting results about melatonin causing erectile dysfunction. These two studies are listed below:

1. The First study Was Published in 2018 – Melatonin and ED

Low serum melatonin levels were found to be associated with erectile dysfunction in this study. A sample of 62 patients were diagnosed with some form of ED and were tested for their melatonin levels.

2. The Second Study Was Published in 2022 – Melatonin and Zolpidem

A randomized sample size of 98 participants was tested to see the effects of melatonin on sexual performance showing significant positive results.

Verdict

It appears that while melatonin may help improve sleep quality in some people, it could potentially negatively impact erectile function. Although there have been several studies showing a link between melatonin and ED, other studies have shown no correlation whatsoever.

Some experts believe that melatonin could be linked to ED only under certain conditions such as age, dosage, the timing of use, etc. 

It’s important to note that none of these studies prove conclusively that melatonin causes erectile dysfunction nor does any one prove conclusively that it doesn’t. But they do point out potential risks associated with using melatonin on a regular basis which should be taken into consideration when deciding whether or not you want to try it for yourself.

How Can We Use Melatonin For ED (Erectile Dysfunction)?

Because melatonin is a hormone, scientists assumed it would work much like other hormones used to treat ED. But when they tested it on men with low levels of nocturnal melatonin, their findings were surprising. Not only did it not improve erections or libido, but in some cases, it led to sexual dysfunction. Researchers are still unclear as to why melatonin causes ED in some people and not others.

We don’t suggest taking Melatonin solely for treating erectile dysfunction. There are other herbs and supplements you can use to help sexual performance.

How Much Should I Take to Treat Erectile Dysfunction?

If you’re suffering from ED, there are two ways to determine how much melatonin to take: if you’re under 50, start with 3 mg and see how that goes. If you’re over 50, 5 mg should be enough to get started. You can always increase your dosage later on if it doesn’t provide any results.

Can I Take Different Forms of Melatonin for Better Results?

When it comes to using melatonin, it is always best to stick with just one type for several weeks at a time. This will allow your body to adjust and get used to that particular form of melatonin. And after several weeks, you can then try another type of melatonin or alternate between types.

Final Thoughts

Now, as with any drug, there are side effects. When used properly on occasion these side effects should not be a cause for concern. However, if you find that you are continually taking it or that you are taking it more frequently than it was intended, that’s when you might want to start asking the questions. The answer is probably not so simple either. Some people may have an interaction with melatonin and find they can’t use the product without side effects. If this is the case, people should talk to their doctor about finding a suitable alternative.

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6092660/
• https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.850480/full