The Link Between Testosterone and Sleep

Can Low Testosterone Cause Sleep Problems?

Yes, low testosterone can contribute to sleep disturbances. Men with reduced testosterone often report difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling unrefreshed. This can lead to symptoms like daytime fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

Low testosterone may also be linked to certain sleep disorders, including insomnia, a condition marked by chronic trouble sleeping. The hormonal imbalance can disrupt the body’s ability to regulate sleep cycles, making rest feel shallow or fragmented.

Does Poor Sleep Decrease Testosterone Levels?

The relationship goes both ways. Poor sleep can significantly lower testosterone levels, especially when sleep deprivation becomes chronic. Research suggests that even just one week of sleep restriction (less than five hours per night) can result in a noticeable drop in testosterone.

This is because the body has fewer opportunities during sleep to produce the hormone, which may lead to ongoing fatigue, lower libido, and muscle loss (all symptoms commonly associated with low testosterone). Over time, a cycle develops where poor sleep leads to low testosterone, and low testosterone further impairs sleep, perpetuating the problem.

Sleep Disorders That Affect Testosterone

Several sleep disorders can directly or indirectly lower testosterone levels:

Insomnia

Chronic insomnia prevents the body from entering deep, restorative stages of sleep—where testosterone production is most active. Even if you spend time in bed, a lack of quality sleep can blunt hormone output.

Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is another major disruptor. This condition, characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, is more common in men and in those with lower testosterone levels. The frequent awakenings caused by apnea drastically reduce the amount of deep and REM sleep, cutting into the time when testosterone would normally be produced.

Men with untreated sleep apnea often report symptoms like fatigue, mood changes, and reduced libido. These symptoms also overlap with low testosterone.

Improving Sleep to Support Healthy Testosterone Levels

Addressing sleep issues is a key step in maintaining or restoring healthy testosterone levels. Here are some strategies:

• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day—even on weekends.
• Create a sleep-friendly environment: Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool.
• Limit screen time before bed: The blue light from phones and tablets can interfere with melatonin production and delay sleep onset.
• Avoid stimulants and alcohol before bed: Caffeine and alcohol can fragment sleep or prevent you from reaching deeper stages of rest. (In fact, overconsumption of alcohol can negatively impact testosterone levels.)
• Seek medical help: If you suspect you have sleep apnea or another disorder, speak with a healthcare provider. They may recommend a sleep study or additional testing.

In some cases, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) might be a helpful solution if low hormone levels are significantly impacting your quality of life. However, it’s essential to treat both the sleep issues and hormonal imbalances together to break the cycle.

Conclusion

Sleep and testosterone are closely connected. Low testosterone can interfere with your ability to sleep well, and sleep deprivation can, in turn, lower your testosterone levels. Insomnia and sleep apnea are common culprits that affect both sleep quality and hormone production.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of poor sleep or low testosterone, it’s important to evaluate both factors. Making changes to your sleep habits and addressing underlying health issues can go a long way toward restoring balance and improving your overall well-being.

At The Sanctuary Wellness Institute, we’re passionate about helping people feel their best and take control of their health. Our men’s health services include testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), which can support better sleep for men experiencing low testosterone.

For other sleep-related issues, we prescribe GLP-1 medications, now FDA-approved as a treatment for sleep apnea. We also proudly offer medical marijuana certification for individuals interested in using medical cannabis to help manage sleep disorders like insomnia and related conditions like anxiety and PTSD. Reach out today to explore which therapies might be the best fit for you.