Last week on the Sleep Better, Live Better blog we talked about sleep facts that are particular to women. But what about sleep-related issues that affect men? For instance, men show some slightly different sleep patterns, are at greater risk for certain sleep disorders, and can experience particular side effects as a result of sleep deprivation. 

So this week, we're focusing on four must-know facts about men and sleep.

Step 1 in your new beauty routine: hit the sack earlier the night before! Research has proven that a good night's sleep makes you look healthier, happier, and--yes--more attractive. "Beauty Sleep" isn't just a silly cliché--it is backed up by solid evidence.

This is especially important for people who suffer from sleep apnea, because studies have shown that people who use a CPAP machine are rated more attractive than people with untreated sleep apnea!

Decreasing libido, or decreasing sex drive, is a common problem in women. In fact, one estimate is that almost 1/3 of women between ages 18 and 59 suffer from a low sex drive. It's normal for women to experience fluctuations in libido, and such dips can be caused by anything from stress to changing hormones. But according to a new study, there is a simple way for women to increase their sexual interest: getting more sleep. 

Have you ever been trying to sleep in the same room with someone who snores like a freight train? It can be about as easy as sleeping on a bed of gravel. But unfortunately, that snoring could indicate deeper issues than a need for earplugs. 

In fact, snoring is one of the most visible symptoms of sleep apnea, as well as gasping, choking, or cessation of breathing during the night. That's why oftentimes bed partners are the first ones to notice that their loved ones have a sleep disorder. Read on to figure out what to keep an eye out for in your partner. 

In the United States alone, 22 million people suffer from sleep apnea--a statistic so seroius that the CDC has called sleep disorders a "public health epidemic". At the same time, an estimated 18 million American men struggle with erectile dysfunction. Now, the medical community is coming to realize is that the prevalence of these two conditions might not be entirely a coincidence. In fact, research shows that the chronic exhaustion caused by sleep disorders could be a cause of erectile dysfunction. 

If you’ve been trying to conceive a child without success, no doubt you’ve heard much advice regarding how to increase your chances: weight control, cutting down on alcohol and caffeine, or using an ovulation calendar, to name a few. But there’s another, frequently overlooked barrier to conception: sleep deprivation or a sleep disorder in either the male or the female. And such disorders are common. Consider the following statistics:

Research you can't ignore:

• Untreated sleep apnea increases erectile dysfunction in men and loss of libido in women.

• Treating sleep apnea can improve sexual function and sexual desire in men and women.

We know that lack of sleep, daytime sleepiness, restlessness and snoring can put a strain on relationships. With as many as 20 million Americans suffering from sleep apnea and many patients undiagnosed and untreated, there are lots of relationships suffering from lack of intimacy.

Scientists suspect that the consequences of sleep apnea that affect sexual function are caused by lack of sex hormones in men and women. Sleep apnea causes frequent waking in the night. Some people awake as many as 100 times an hour due to closures of the airway. This may cause levels of sex hormones, like testosterone to drop, causing sexual dysfunction.