Sleep and the Conceiving Couple

There comes a time when the biological clock ticks so strongly that it is an unstoppable force. However whilst there are some factors involved in infertility that are well documented, the deprivation of sleep could well be the most underrated and ‘sneaky’ factor in the issue of fertility.

Men

The University of Chicago had a group of healthy young men in their mid-twenties. They limited them to 5 hours sleep for one week to see what sleep loss did to their testosterone levels. Their hormone levels were sampled and guess what? They were not only tired, but they had a significant drop in their testosterone level compared to when the experiment was begun, and they were fully rested. These young men had in effect, aged by ten to fifteen years in terms of their testosterone virility.

What does this tell us? That sleep disorders, especially snoring and apnoea can interfere significantly with their reproductive system. In short, not enough sleep or having poor quality sleep will reduce the sperm count by 29%. And if that is not enough, the sperm that is there has more deformities.

And if that is not enough…..

The testicles are also significantly smaller.

Low testosterone levels in males leave them feeling tired and fatigued throughout the day. Concentration is difficult. Libido is reduced and an active, healthy and fulfilling sex life is more difficult to achieve. Mood and vigour is decreased as the testosterone levels drop – in line with the deprivation of sleep.

What else does testosterone do? It maintains bone density, builds muscle mass, increases strength. It is important for a strong and manly body.

Sleep is vital for not only rest, but repair of tissue. Top this with a drop in testosterone and the ability to repair and build is impacted. All the parts necessary for a healthy and active life for men of all ages.

And an ability to make healthy babies.

Women

Women can also become reproductively compromised by a lack of quality or reduced quantity of sleep. Routinely sleeping less than 6 hours a night will drop the follicular-releasing hormone by 20%. This hormone peaks just before ovulation – which is crucial for conception.

A report covering more than 100,000 women in employment showed that those in shift work had abnormal menstrual cycles at a rate of 22% higher than those women working regular hours, able to get regular sleep. These women working erratic hours were 80% more likely to suffer from sub-fertility issues and had reduced ability to fall pregnant.

And 29% of women who do fall pregnant and routinely sleep less than 8 hours a night are significantly more likely to suffer a miscarriage in the first trimester. The trauma of a lost pregnancy is also significant.

The Conceiving Couple

Modern sleep research is shows a strong link between good quality and quantity of sleep and the resulting effect on the reproductive system of both men and women. The hormones, reproductive organs and the very physical attractiveness that influences 'reproductive opportunities'.

So imagine a man and a woman, desperate to conceive and both of them simply not getting enough sleep. Through the effect of shift work, or simply not getting around to going to bed at night. Maybe through broken sleep. The effect of a lack of sleep in this couple is clear how it impacts fertility, resulting in sub-fertility (taking a long time to conceive) or sadly, infertility.

Neglect sleep day after day, month after month, and these are all degraded significantly.

Even increasing the sleep quota by 15 to 20 minutes a night initially, building up to ideally 8 hours a night could make a difference.

This is not that difficult to achieve is it. Worth it if that biological clock is ticking. Worth it for your own health.