What is a Sleep-Related Painful Erection (SRPE)?
A sleep-related painful erection is a painful erection that appears during REM sleep. It is not produced by sexual activity and there are no lesions or physical damage from this condition. It only occurs during sleep.
These erections are painful enough to rouse you from sleep, causing severe sleep deprivation. These erections should subside soon after waking.
This sleep disorder is considered parasomnia, which is a collection of sleep disorders that involve some type of movement during sleep.