Experiencing a morning erection or boner is completely normal, and it is a common occurrence, particularly among younger men. Interestingly, some older men also continue to have this experience.
It’s important to understand that these ‘spontaneous’ erections serve as an indicator of good erectile function and cardiovascular health. For men still encountering morning erections in their later years, it’s a reassuring sign that their sexual health remains robust.
Here are some additional facts about morning erections that you may find intriguing.
They happen multiple times all through the night till morning
Contrary to being solely a ‘morning culture,’ morning erections actually occur throughout the night, up to five times, to be precise.
Termed as ‘nocturnal penile tumescence’ (NPT), the term ‘nocturnal’ is employed because morning erections are typically the final instances in a series of erections that happen during the night as a man sleeps.
They boost nerve health
Erections are caused by the parasympathetic nervous system, the system in charge of “rest and relaxation.”
The sympathetic nervous system, which is in charge of your fight-or-flight reaction, is the opposite of this.
On the other hand, having morning or nighttime erections indicates that your parasympathetic nervous system is operating normally.
Testosterone levels are high during this period
Testosterone reaches peak levels first thing in the morning, which is often enough to cause an erection even without physical stimulation.
This means morning erection in men, is an indication that their testosterone levels are healthy.
Unconscious penis exercises resulting in erections at night and morning
Even during restful sleep, your brain remains vigilant, and it’s not entirely oblivious to your surroundings.
Physical stimulation, such as self-touch or a partner’s touch, can trigger the natural process of an erection, even when one is still unconscious.
Moreover, erections can occur autonomously during sleep, ranging from three to five times, each lasting approximately half an hour, without any external touch to the penis.