why do men get morning wood

Men get morning wood, or nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT), due to activation of the parasympathetic nervous system during sleep, especially in the REM (rapid eye movement) stage. This system stimulates blood flow to the penis, causing erections multiple times throughout the night, often observed upon waking. Testosterone levels, which peak in the early morning, also contribute to these erections. Morning wood is not primarily caused by sexual dreams or a full bladder, although those factors might play minor roles. It serves as a sign of healthy blood flow, nerve function, and hormone balance in the male reproductive system. Men typically experience several erections during sleep, which support tissue health in the penis. The presence of morning wood indicates normal erectile function, and its absence may signal potential health issues like erectile dysfunction or hormonal imbalances. In summary, morning wood happens mostly because of natural nervous system activity during sleep and hormone changes, reflecting good reproductive and vascular health rather than sexual arousal.