How Testosterone Affects Sleep in Men
Posted: November 10, 2014
Few things feel better than a deep, dreamless, relaxing sleep. But it becomes increasingly harder to get when we are trying to juggle the demands of work and family. Real sleep disturbance, and consequently real fatigue, comes along not when the hours we sleep are reduced, but rather when the quality of sleep is affected.
What causes a decline in our quality of sleep? Many factors can alter sleeping patterns: Stress, work, and lifestyle are just a few of the things we often blame for lack of sleep. For men, especially those entering middle age, sleep disturbances may be caused not by external factors, but rather by a hormonal imbalance.
Right around age 30, a man’s testosterone level begins to drop, and this steady decline continues as men age. Around the age of 40, men begin to report disturbances of sleep. This chronological pattern has some researchers believing that the decline in testosterone and the onset of sleep disturbances may be linked.
Quality sleep is actually a cycle of phases. When people report their quality of sleep is diminishing, it usually means that they are not reaching the deep sleep cycle often enough. Men over the age of 50 are the largest group of men reporting sleep disturbances. Interestingly, most men in their 20s and 30s report a decline in sleep quality far less often, even though their lives are often busier at this stage. These observations of the age and sleep partnership are what continue to lead scientists to suspect the link between testosterone and sleep.
Researchers have gone on to claim that low levels of testosterone alter the way the brain “syncs.” The perfect synchronization is required in the brain to attain deep sleep. Thus, inadequate testosterone levels prevent this syncing and prevent men from reaching the deep sleep cycle. Lack of sleep then results in an array of other symptoms, such as fatigue and fogginess.
Even though declining testosterone is a natural part of aging, it doesn’t mean you have to be exhausted all the time. At Low T Center, we can determine if you qualify for testosterone replacement therapy on your first visit. It could be the help you need to get the rest you deserve.
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Disclaimer: This article is made available for general, entertainment and educational purposes only. The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Low T Center. You should always seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.