Morning wood, also known as nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT), is the spontaneous erection of the penis during sleep. It is a normal occurrence and can happen due to several reasons, including:
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Hormone shifts: Testosterone levels tend to be elevated in the morning, which contributes to sexual function.
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Parasympathetic nervous system: The parasympathetic nervous system is involved in sexual arousal and is very active when we’re asleep, so men will often get erections on and off throughout the night.
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Blood and nerve supply to the penis: Morning wood is an indication of typical blood and nerve supply to the penis, and having regular erections in the morning is an important indicator of healthy male sexual organs.
Morning wood is not always a sign of sexual stimulation, and it can occur due to other natural processes in the body, including hormone shifts. During waking hours, the body releases hormones to suppress erections, but when asleep, the body releases less of those hormones, making NPT more likely. It is also important to note that needing to urinate is not responsible for morning wood.
Most men will experience morning wood several times per week, and it is healthy at any age. However, if a man stops experiencing NPT, this may be an early sign of an underlying medical problem, and it is recommended to talk to a doctor about it. If a morning erection often lasts longer than an hour or lasts longer than four hours, it is important to contact a doctor, as this could be a sign of priapism, a condition that requires medical attention.
