The association of exercise with sleep, sex steroids, sexual activities and aging in Asian men

Abstract 

Background

This study sought to examine the association between the type and intensity of exercise as a lifestyle habit with sex steroid hormones, sexual activities, sleep parameters and aging in men.

Methods

Exercise scores, sleep duration and sexual activities were evaluated through a self-administered questionnaire, while testosterone (T), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), estradiol (E2) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels were measured using established immunoassay methods. Bioavailable T was calculated using Vermeulen's formula.

Results

Moderately intense exercise as a lifestyle habit was significantly associated with higher coital frequency, higher sex hormone concentrations, and more men engaging in masturbation, but fewer men having problems falling asleep. While increasing the intensity of exercise did not alter the beneficial effects noted with moderately intense exercise on sex hormones, masturbation and falling asleep, it was significantly associated with decreased coital frequency.

Conclusion

This study showed that moderately intense exercise as a lifestyle habit was associated with better sexual function, better ability to fall asleep and higher concentrations of sex hormones. These findings support the importance of promoting a lifestyle habit of exercise to mitigate the increased risks of having sexual and sleep dysfunctions as men age.

Keywords: Physical exercise, Age, Sleep, Sex steroids, Sexual activities, Asian men