[Androgens - a common biological marker of sleep disorders and selected sexual dysfunctions?]

The relationship between sleep disturbances and sexual dysfunctions still remains unclear. The links which indicate the importance of central nervous system and sleep mechanisms in regulations of the endocrine system seem to have bilateral character; the nature of such associations is not fully understood. The aim of the paper is to describe the influence of androgens on the relations between sexual functioning and sleep functions in patients of both sexes. The physiological role of the androgens is described with the emphasis put on the specific action of these hormones in sleep regulation, as well as the mutual relations between the regulatory role of sleep on the sexual apparatus. The newest data suggest that the androgenic hormonal profile is linked to the sleep rhythm, but not to the chronobiological diurnal rhythm in male patients. This may constitute the purpose for further research on the role of androgens in the connections between sexual and sleep disturbances. Up to date there is little known about androgens' role in sleep regulation in women. The influence of sexual activity disturbances as behavioral factors influencing the severity and the persistence of insomnia as well as their position among other factors important for the triggering of insomnia requires further scientific exploration.