Bryan Johnson claims, ‘Men who don’t have nighttime erections are 70 percent more likely to die prematurely’ — can it really predict death? | Health News
Entrepreneur and longevity advocate Bryan Johnson recently made a bold statement suggesting that individuals who do not experience nighttime erections are more likely to die prematurely.
Appearing on The Ranveer Show podcast, he said, “Men who do not have nighttime erections are 70 percent more likely to die prematurely. It predicts death. On average, a 20-year-old male should have between 3 and 5 erection episodes per night, yeah like 145 minutes of erections, and that’s healthy. the time you’re 75, that reduces to about 50 minutes, so drammatically declines with age. Nighttime erections are like a really important health marker.”
Is there a link between the absence of nighttime erections and premature death?
Dr Srikanth V, urolog at Urocare Urology Superspeciality Clinic, tells , “While the absence of nighttime erections (also known as nocturnal penile tumescence, or NPT) is associated with certain health risks, the claim that it directly predicts premature death is an oversimplification. Several studies suggest that erectile dysfunction — particularly when caused vascular or metabolic issues — is linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality. Since nighttime erections are largely driven healthy vascular function and neural pathways, their absence may be a red flag for conditions such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, and hormonal imbalances, which themselves are associated with increased mortality risk.”
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He adds that a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that men with ED were at a significantly higher risk of developing heart disease, even when controlling for other factors. “Another large-scale study in Circulation indicated that ED can precede cardiovascular events several years, making it a useful early warning sign. However, while these studies support a link between ED and mortality, there is limited direct evidence proving that a lack of nighttime erections alone increases the risk of premature death a specific percentage, as claimed Bryan Johnson.”
How can men monitor and improve their sexual health?
Since erectile function is closely tied to cardiovascular and metabolic health, men should view changes in their sexual health — such as reduced nocturnal erections — as a potential early warning sign rather than an isolated issue. Dr Srikanth explains, “One of the simplest ways to monitor nighttime erections is using a nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) test, such as the ‘stamp test’ or specialised medical devices that track erections during sleep. If a man notices a consent decline in nighttime erections, it may be worth discussing with a healthcare provider, mainly if other risk factors for chronic disease are present.
To improve sexual health and overall longevity, he adds that lifestyle modifications are key. “Regular cardiovascular exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling, improves blood flow and endothelial function, reducing the risk of ED and heart disease. A heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can also support vascular health. Maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, and getting sufficient sleep — particularly addressing sleep apnea if present — can further enhance erectile function,” recommends Dr Srikanth.
Additionally, he suggests that men should have regular check-ups to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and testosterone levels. If underlying conditions such as diabetes or heart disease are detected early, they can often be managed effectively, reducing the risk of both ED and premature mortality.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
