How Hormones Affect Sleep

Struggling to manage a well night of rest can be extremely taxing on your everyday routine. Sleep is so important for so many reasons! Not only does it affect the way you feel, but it also affects your immune system, your ability to recharge, and your overall well-being. Did you know, there are dozens of different hormones that work together every day to keep you healthy? 

Nearly every hormone in the body is released in response to your circadian rhythm, also known as the sleep-wake cycle. Did you know too much sleep or not enough sleep can significantly throw your hormones off balance? 

You may be familiar with a few of the hormones affecting your sleep, but the extent of the list may surprise you! We’re going to break down some of the most important hormones to consider when balancing your sleep cycle. But first, let’s refresh what hormones are and why they are so important! 

So What are Hormones?

Hormones are chemical messengers that play a vital role in regulating the body’s many processes, functions, and well-being. They all play a vital part in your sleep cycle. When you are sleeping, your body works hard to recover from your day while simultaneously preparing you for the next! Part of this process involves regulating many of your body’s hormones! Hormones maintain many of your bodily functions, including:

• Your circadian rhythm and sleep-wake cycle

• Libido 

• Mood 

• Cardiovascular function

• Muscle and tissue repair 

• And so much more!

Hormones that Directly Affect Sleep 

Various hormone functions and their release are impacted by sleep or circadian rhythm and vice versa. While sleep is instrumental to hormone production, some of your body’s hormones can impact your sleep quality as well. Here are five vital hormones you should be familiar with, that can impact your sleep quality for better or for worse.

Melatonin

Melatonin, also known as the "sleep hormone," is directly in charge of encouraging restful sleep and controlling your body's circadian rhythm. The pituitary gland in your brain, which also produces the majority of your body's hormones, produces melatonin, which is linked to your sleep-wake cycle and is created in the pineal gland.

Your body's ability to produce melatonin might be adversely affected by sleep interruption or poor sleep quality. And since getting a good night's sleep is crucial to your overall health and well-being, managing melatonin while getting a good night's sleep is crucial.

Cortisol

Cortisol, also referred to as the "stress hormone," is controlled by sleep. But this isn't the major function of cortisol. Cortisol, along with melatonin, is essential for preserving your sleep cycle.

Your cortisol level briefly increases when you wake up, which aids in waking you up and making you feel refreshed as melatonin production declines. As you approach your bedtime, cortisol production reduces as melatonin production ramps up, helping your body prepare for sleep.

Elevated cortisol levels can negatively impact your sleep, most often as a result of stress and electronic devices suppressing your body’s melatonin production.

Progesterone and Estrogen

Progesterone and estrogen are produced by both men and women, even though these two hormones are best known for their effects on women's reproductive health.

The primary "female" sex hormone, estrogen, regulates a woman's menstrual cycle. Estradiol, estriol, and estrone are the three primary forms of estrogen. These types of estrogen are created throughout a woman's life, including during menstruation, pregnancy, and childbearing years.

During this time, progesterone levels are at their peak and it assists in maintaining pregnancy. Throughout a woman's life, progesterone, and estrogen levels change, affecting how well one sleeps along the way. Pregnancy, menopause, and the menstrual cycle are the times when this occurs most commonly. 

During these periods, many women report having trouble sleeping, especially if they experience side symptoms like menstrual cramping, body pain during pregnancy, or hot flashes during menopause. Because of these hormonal changes, women are more likely to experience insomnia than men.

Testosterone

The hormone testosterone, which is also produced in all bodies and is not solely the "male" sex hormone, is similar to progesterone and estrogen. Testosterone supports bone health and reproductive health in both men and women.

During REM sleep, when testosterone levels are at their maximum, they fluctuate throughout the day. Your body's testosterone levels may be impacted if you don't receive enough REM sleep. 

Reduced testosterone levels and poor sleep quality can occasionally be related, which can lead to a vicious cycle of low testosterone levels and snoring and insomnia symptoms.

Hormones and Sleeping Patterns

As you can see, there can be a lot more behind 'poor' sleeping patterns. Progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone are just a few of the hormones that can cause insomnia, especially in premenstrual, pregnant, and menopausal women. However, insomnia symptoms will go away once hormone levels return to normal! 

However, obtaining insufficient sleep at first can have an impact on your hormones, which can lead to future sleep issues. This can lead to a vicious cycle of insufficient sleep and hormonal imbalance, which can begin a vicious cycle.

While your hormones may not be totally to blame for insomnia, sleep apnea is another sleep problem that is closely related to insomnia. Sleep apnea and sleep-disordered breathing can have an impact on hormone levels, which can exacerbate breathing difficulties at night. Because of the hormonal imbalance, those who have sleep apnea are more likely to develop metabolic or endocrine diseases.

Some sleep disorders will resolve on their own, but if you have continuous poor sleep, sleep loss, or daytime sleepiness in addition to hormone imbalance, you may have a sleep disorder. A sleep issue will not disappear on its own. It is critical to get professional help, either from your doctor or a qualified sleep expert. 

While it's normal to have fluctuating hormones, your sleep should not be compromised because of it. If you are continuously dealing with poor sleep patterns, we highly recommend testing your hormone levels. If you're looking for a hormone doctor in the Chicagoland area, we encourage you to book a consultation with us today to learn about the options you have for a better night's rest. Contact us today by filling out our inquiry form!