Not Getting Adequate Sleep, May Affect Fertility

Sleep is a naturally recurring circadian-modulated behavior. Lifestyle factors, consisting of repeated daily behaviour, can also have significant impacts on sleep regulation. The same part of the brain that regulates sleep-wake hormones in both genders also triggers the regular release of hormones that effect women’s ovulation and men’s sperm maturation. Increased prevalence of short sleep and poor sleep quality are associated with adverse health effects; also increases the risk of infertility among both genders.xidative stress but also regulates the release of female reproductive hormones. Insufficient sleep effects adequate secretion of melatonin which could affect the ovaries.

Long-term sleep deprivation for women may directly impact various hormones related to fertility, including progesterone, estrogen, luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone. For example, leptin (appetite-regulating hormone), that indirectly participates in the regulation of ovarian folliculogenesis by controlling luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone secretion. Inadequate sleep impacts leptin secretion, which could impair fertility. As well, during a sufficient night’s sleep the human body releases melatonin, this not only protects the oocyte against oxidative stress but also regulates the release of female reproductive hormones. Insufficient sleep effects adequate secretion of melatonin which could affect the ovaries.

The long and short sleep as well as poor sleep quality could reduce male fertility. Most of the daily release of testosterone in men happens during sleep. Increased sleep deprivation prevalence for men has been associated with circadian rhythm disruptions, could lower serum testosterone levels and may also impair Sertoli cells in the seminiferous tubules. 

Getting adequate high quality sleep is beneficial for overall health as well as increases the possibility of becoming fertile. Put away laptops, phones, tablets and other devices at least one hour before bedtime. Women should sleep 7-8 hours every night, so they can increase their chances of getting pregnant and building the family of their dreams. In addition, too few or too many hours of sleep may adversely affect fertility.