Sleep is a regular, natural condition of rest for the body and mind. A healthy lifestyle is absolutely dependent on getting enough sleep. Age is only one of several variables that affect how much sleep each individual needs. Millions of individuals struggle to get conceived every year all around the world. When you don’t understand why you’re having trouble conceiving, it can be very stressful and upsetting. Your overall health, which is necessary for optimal wellness, affects your fertility. So does sleep impact fertility? Let’s have a look at the relationship between sleep and infertility in male to discover what to consider.
What are the signs of male infertility?
- Sexual function difficulties, such as difficulty ejaculating or ejaculating just a little amount of fluid, can be brought on by erectile dysfunction.
- Having discomfort, edoema, or a bump around the testicles
- Respiratory diseases that recur
- A sperm count that is below average
- A decrease in face or body hair, together with other hormonal anomalies.
How can a lack of sleep lead to infertility in male?
The hormones associated with fertility can be impacted by sleep deprivation, according to the centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Hormone production is the main aspect of sleep that might have an impact on fertility.
Your body will generate less of some hormones and too much of others if you don’t get enough sleep. Reproductive hormones are regulated by the same area of the brain that controls hormones that affect sleep and wakefulness, such as melatonin and cortisol.
Lack of sleep will cause the body to create more stress hormones, which is harmful to general health and can cause levels of oestrogen, testosterone, and other reproductive hormones to fluctuate.
The male hormone testosterone is essential for reproduction, and men release the majority of their daily testosterone when they sleep. Thus, the length of sleep has undoubtedly been connected to the body’s testosterone levels. Insufficient sleep affects the body’s capacity to make sperm.
In comparison to individuals who have a sound sleep, a person who has a disturbed sleep is twice as likely to have a reduction in sperm count of up to 30%.
Additionally, it’s possible that your circadian cycle, or sleep-wake pattern, interferes with the development of sperm. Men with unhealthy sperm are less likely to fertilize eggs, and if they do, it may result in unviable embryos or other complications.
It has been proven that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) increases the chance of infertility in Male.
WHAT IS SLEEP APNEA?
A sleep disease called sleep apnea causes the patient’s breathing to cease and start again. In addition to feeling sleepy and lethargic during the day, the patient may snore loudly enough to disturb their companion or themselves. Sleep apnea results when the airway becomes closed as the patient is asleep in a lying posture. The patient experiences difficulty breathing as a result of the airway constricting.
For the treatment of sleep apnea, there are several options. Surgery may be necessary in extremely severe cases, but CPAP therapy is still a common alternative. A device known as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) employs light air pressure to keep your breathing airways open while you sleep.
How can infertility in male be avoided?
Eat healthily and get enough sleep
It is fairly possible for someone to have an unhealthy lifestyle, have a lowered libido, and lose interest in sexual activities when they have interrupted sleep and less sleep time. The optimal amount of sleep for males is between 7 and 9 hours each night, which increases both their fertility and their likelihood of contributing to a pregnancy.
The production of sperm is improved when fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables are consumed, as opposed to a high-cholesterol diet that includes meat and processed foods. In general, men with a healthy weight have improved fertility.
Maintain consistent sleep habits by attempting to fall asleep and wake up at the same time every day, including on the weekends.
Relax your mind
You might be accustomed to doing a few last-minute duties, reading, or watching television before going to bed. However, it’s preferable to omit topics that could remain in your thoughts while you fall asleep. If you insist on viewing TV before bed, limit it to a light show.
But before you truly try to go asleep, make sure the TV and all other gadgets are turned off, since anything with screens or light might keep you awake. And before you close your eyes, consider using a relaxation method like breathing exercises or meditation.
Spend time outside
An hour in the sun can help you fall asleep and increase the quality of your sleep. If necessary, split it up into manageable chunks: have lunch outside, go for walks, and play with your dogs outside.
Avoid supplements like melatonin
Even “natural” substances like melatonin, which is promoted as such, might impair your body’s natural functions. It can reduce fertility and, in rare circumstances, even lead to gonad atrophy. If you think you need a supplement to help you sleep, talk to your doctor about it and seek their advice.
For any couple or individual attempting to conceive, knowledge is powerful, and this involves a thorough evaluation of each person, including their lifestyle choices. You have a lot of influence over your fertility journey, including your diet, your exercise routine, your stress levels, and the quality of your sleep. Some of these healthy behaviours might require professional advice to implement. We at 9M Fertility aim to support you in every way possible along the route to your fertility journey. This involves providing guidance and suggestions for general wellbeing and lifestyle practises that might raise your chances of conceiving.