Nocturnal penile tumescence
Nocturnal Penile Tumescence (NPT)
Nocturnal penile tumescence (pronounced: nok-TUR-nul peh-NILE too-MES-ens), often abbreviated as NPT, is a phenomenon in which a penis becomes erect during sleep. This is a common occurrence in healthy males, particularly during Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep.
Etymology
The term "nocturnal penile tumescence" is derived from the Latin words "nocturnus" (meaning "of the night"), "penis" (meaning "penis"), and "tumescere" (meaning "to swell").
Related Terms
- Erection: The state of the penis when it is filled with blood and stands away from the body.
- REM Sleep: A stage of sleep characterized by rapid eye movements, dreaming, and increased brain activity.
- Sleep: A natural state of rest for the mind and body.
- Penis: The male genital organ.
Overview
Nocturnal penile tumescence is a normal part of the sleep cycle and is associated with Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep. It is thought to be related to the neural activity that occurs during this stage of sleep. NPT can occur several times during the night, typically during periods of REM sleep, which is when most dreaming occurs.
The exact cause of NPT is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to the nervous system and blood flow in the penis. It is also believed to be a sign of healthy erectile function.
Clinical Significance
Nocturnal penile tumescence can be used as a diagnostic tool in the evaluation of Erectile Dysfunction (ED). If a man experiences NPT, it is likely that his ED is related to psychological factors rather than physical ones.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Nocturnal penile tumescence
- Wikipedia's article - Nocturnal penile tumescence
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