Have Problems with Sleep? You May Also Have Problems with Fertility

We have known a lot of lifestyle factors that can affect the causes of infertility of both males and females. These range from stress to smoking to body weight. But sleep problems are now a new addition to the list! Studies show that sleep disorders may increase the risk and signs of infertility in men and women. In this article, the Coastal Fertility clinic (Orange County) brings you the various studies on the topic, the outcomes, as well as the solutions.

Impact on hormones that can cater to infertility in Men and Women

According to Centers for Disease and Control, lack of sleep – a condition that more one- third of American people experience– can impact the hormones related to fertility. The part of the brain that controls “sleep-wake hormones” also triggers the maturation of sperm in men. It also regulates the release of hormones that influence ovulation in women.

For women, chronic sleep problems may have an impact on several hormones that are related to infertility signs. To name some, it includes progesterone, prolactin, estrogen, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). For instance, the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) is essential because this hormone is responsible for ovulation and menstrual cycle. An irregular menstrual cycle can complicate or affects a woman’s ability to get pregnant.

On the other hand, the hormone testosterone is important for healthy sperm production in men. It is released into the body every day during sleep. And, there are many factors that affect the levels of this hormone. According to Lauren Wise, a professor of epidemiology at Boston University, overall sleep duration has been associated with testosterone levels in several studies. Clearly, this shows that poor sleep can affect male infertility as well.

Excessive sleep is also related to infertility sign in males

Most of the studies on sleep show a connection between testosterone levels and inadequate sleep. However, statistics at our fertility clinic located in Orange County suggested that too much sleep also has its own effect. Males who sleep too much or too little can experience issues with infertility.

A Boston University study examined the right level of sleep that couples need to become pregnant. The results from all the 740 participants revealed the following results related to infertility in men and women:

• Sleep – both long (more than 9 hours) and short (less than 6 hours) – was linked to a “reduced probability” of conception.
• Men who slept too long or too little have a 42 percent reduction in probability of pregnancy in a month.
• Men who reported problems with sleep 50 percent of the time had the greatest problems impregnating their partner.

Lauren Wise, the study author, says that her study shows a link between fertility and sleep. However, it doesn’t prove that the effects seen in the experiment occurred after the cause. Poor sleep may affect sex drive (libido) and health status, which can influence fertility. It is worth mentioning that, this study did control for other factors known to impact fertility, such as age, BMI (body mass index), sex frequency, etc. So, more studies are needed on this important topic.

Effects on male fertility

According to Dr. Peter Schlegel, ex-president of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the findings of this study are great news. He says that there are data limitations on how male sleeping pattern impacts infertility and it’s related sign and symptoms.

Schlegel says this study shows that aiming for 7-9 hours of sleep every day can help men optimize their fertility and their odds of contributing to a pregnancy. He also suggests – based on the results of this study – that physicians discussing infertility with Intended Couples ask the male partner how much sleep he gets every day.

In another study, researchers also found that sleeping too much (more than 9 hrs) or too little (less than 6 hours), as well as sleeping late, can impact men’s fertility. It may result in a lowered sperm count and lowered sperm motility and survival, partly due to the production of sperm-fighting antibodies (anti-sperm antibodies).

Effects on Women Infertility Factors

A study of over 16000 women in Taiwan found that women dealing with sleep problems – apart from sleep apnea- were 3.7 X more likely to experience infertility issues in comparison to women with normal sleep patterns. In this study, women between the ages of 26 to 30 had the highest risk of developing the signs of infertility. Sleep apnea has already been associated with fertility problems in women. Experts also linked it to other medical conditions like diabetes, obesity, and heart disease, all of which impact fertility.

However, there were several limitations to this large study. One is that the research results were not adjusted for other lifestyle factors that can affect infertility. For example, exercise, smoking, and family medical history. Besides, women with sleep problems were also at higher risk of depression, anxiety, irregular periods, and thyroid issues. All of this can affect fertility. Poor sleep may also result in these conditions and vice versa.

What can be done

Jennifer Felder, a clinical psychologist at the University of California, says that while it is unsure whether treating sleep problems raises the chances of fertility, treatment may be helpful and is not going to hurt. She also recommended cognitive therapy to treat insomnia. It is a sleep disorder in which you have trouble falling or staying asleep.

There are a lot of factors that you can control on your fertility journey and we at our fertility clinic in Orange County can help you. This includes what you consume, how much exercise you get, and the quality of your sleep. You may need to consult with experts in order to achieve some of these healthy habits.

Infertility can affect both men and women. Hence, here is what the specialists of our fertility clinic in Orange County advice for a good night’s sleep:

• Ensure that your bedroom is dark
• Relax before you go to bed
• Step outside and exercise every day
• Be consistent about when you go to bed and when you wake up
• Reduce or eliminate alcohol and stimulants, or have them at least five hours before bedtime.

Conclusion

If you want to know more about how sleep quality affects fertility or have any questions regarding your fertility, please reach us at Coastal Fertility clinic, Orange County, CA, or contact us at (949) 726-0600. Also, you can schedule a consultation for more information about infertility and available treatment options.