The Connection Between Sleep and Testosterone
It’s no secret that getting enough sleep is a vital component of every person’s overall health and well-being. Most of us need around 7 hours of good-quality sleep every single night to function properly. For men, sleep is especially important to maintain adequate levels of testosterone.
Importance of Testosterone
Like many hormones in the body, testosterone is key to your overall health. In men, testosterone helps regulate:
- Sex drive (libido)
- Bone mass
- Fat distribution
- Muscle mass and strength
- Production of red blood cells and sperm
There are many potential causes of low testosterone, with the most common being age-related. As a man ages, the amount of testosterone in the body gradually decreases each year after around age 30 and continues throughout his life. Other potential causes of low testosterone include:
- Injury or infection of the testes
- Dysfunction or tumors of the pituitary gland
- Certain medications
- Alcohol abuse
- Chemotherapy for cancer treatment
- Obesity or extreme weight loss
Relationship Between Sleep and Low Testosterone
Many people are unaware of how sleep can impact testosterone levels. Testosterone levels increase as you sleep and decrease the longer you are awake. In young men, the highest levels of testosterone are present during REM sleep, the stage of sleep that is characterized by rapid eye movements, more dreaming and bodily movement.
One study found that cutting back on sleep can drastically reduce a healthy young man’s testosterone levels. The research found that low sleep duration and poor sleep quality are recognized as endocrine disruptors, which may be a reason why testosterone levels are affected.
If you struggle to get a good night’s rest, you aren’t alone. In fact, it is estimated that sleep-related problems affect 50 to 70 million Americans of all ages, according to SleepHealth. Here are a few tips to help you get better sleep.
- Reduce blue light exposure during nighttime
- Avoid caffeine late in the day
- Limit daytime naps
- Stick to a sleep schedule
- Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine
Getting started with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)
Testosterone replacement therapy can be an effective solution for low testosterone caused by sleep problems. ReEnvisionMD takes a comprehensive approach to TRT, restoring healthy testosterone levels and helping men regain a sense of empowered living. Our TRT program targets the precise cause of hormone imbalance through customized treatment plans based on individual patient needs.
If you believe you may have low testosterone or are interested in increasing your testosterone levels, contact us today to get started.