For many men in their 30s and 40s, sleep deprivation may sound like a normal part of the aging process. Between working 8 or more hours at the office, budgeting finances, and raising a family, it is not uncommon for men to feel fatigued and exhausted throughout the day. However, sleep deprivation is a serious condition that men should not ignore. In fact, it may be a sign of low testosterone.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults in their late 20s and early 60s should average 7 to 9 hours of undisturbed sleep per night. If you’re falling well below this range, you may have an imbalance of hormone production, which can lead to low T.
Conditions that can disturb healthy sleep patterns and cause sleep deprivation:
Low T: Just as sleep deprivation can affect hormone levels and cause low T, the same can be said for the effects of low T on healthy sleep patterns. As men age, they begin to experience a decrease in testosterone levels, which can cause a variety of symptoms, including insomnia.
Stress & Anxiety: Whether it’s work, financial, or family related, there are numerous stressors that cause a male to feel anxious and overwhelmed. These stressors often become more intense at night, as you attempt to clear your mind and fall asleep. If you find that stress is affecting your sleep quality or causing you to experience high blood pressure, you may want to consider contacting a men’s health doctor for treatment.
Lack of Exercise: Regular exercise offers the body multiple benefits and can effectively improve sleep quality, especially for patients living with chronic sleeping conditions (e.g. sleep apnea). When you engage in exercise on a regular basis, your body releases endorphins which help reduce stress and improve your mood. In fact, aerobic-type exercises can improve the flow of oxygen in your blood stream, resulting in a healthier night’s sleep.
Sleep Apnea: Sleep Apnea causes an individual to experience repeated shortness of breaths while asleep. This disorder is caused when there is a decrease of oxygen in your blood and is commonly diagnosed in men who experience excessive weight gain or obesity. Sleep apnea has significant negative impacts on multiple areas of energy and health and can be dangerous if not treated.
How to Achieve a Better Night’s Sleep:
If you’re concerned that your abnormal sleeping patterns are a sign of low T, the experts at EveresT Men’s Health are here to help. We offer traditional medical management of many men’s health issues, including testosterone replacement therapy, diagnosis and treatment for sleep apnea, medical weight loss plans for men, and more. Contact our men’s health clinics today to achieve your long-term health goals.
