I am 56 years old but I doze during the day

I am 56 years old but I doze during the day. Surprisingly when I do I get an erection. Why?

K.W
Dear K.W,
As people get older, they tend to have problems falling or maintaining sleep at night and this sleep is usually light. This is not helped by being on various drugs and having pains, especially in joints.
Lack of proper sleep at night is compensated for by being sleepy during the day.
There are two types of sleep. When the eyes are moving rapidly, this is called REM sleep and when they are fixed it is called Non-REM sleep.
Men get erections during REM sleep. It is said that the areas of the brain that inhibit erections also go to sleep allowing testosterone-induced erections to occur during REM sleep.
Also erections that happen in sleep prevent one from unknowingly wetting oneself or the bed.
Erections are a way our bodies show that the nervous and reproductive systems as well as our general health are okay.
Therefore, getting an erection during a nap, though embarrassing, is healthy.

I take bugga and beetroot to boost my blood levels. Is it good for me as a sickler?

David
Dear David,
Sickle cell anaemia happens because the red blood cells under conditions of low oxygen become sickle-shaped prompting their breakdown prematurely by the body systems leading to anaemia. These cells will also entangle in the blood vessels leading to blood clots.
To treat sickle cell anaemia, folic acid, which is also found in leafy plant foods is given to help keep pace with the blood destruction but in severe cases of anaemia, a blood transfusion may be necessary.
Ugandans take everything red with claims that it replenishes blood. Red dodo or beetroot are taken not because they offer some needed folic acid (which is meagre in amounts) and iron (which is not needed) but because of the colour which is due to betalain pigments, a semblance with blood.
Taking vegetables or even beetroot may be healthy but for treatment of anaemia in one suffering from sickle cell anaemia, a doctor should first be consulted.