Which hormones affect sleep most?

Several hormones play significant roles in affecting sleep quality:

1. Growth Hormone: A deficiency in growth hormone can lead to disrupted sleep patterns, particularly in those who are truly deficient. Once addressed, sleep quality often improves considerably 1.

2. Progesterone: This hormone, especially during menopause, affects sleep by acting as a GABA agonist when it crosses the blood-brain barrier. This action promotes better sleep but decreases post-menopause, leading to poorer sleep quality 1.

3. Testosterone: Low levels of testosterone can lead to poor sleep, and beginning testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can increase the risk of sleep apnea and disrupt sleep due to increased sympathetic nervous system activity 2.

4. Cortisol: This hormone is crucial for waking and maintaining alertness as it follows a diurnal pattern, with levels peaking in the morning. Elevated cortisol at night, especially from late-night stressors, can disrupt sleep 3.

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     1

     Hormones and Sleep

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     2

     Testosterone and Sleep

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     3

     Cortisol and Sleep

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     4

     Sleep and Relationships

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5. Estrogen and Testosterone (Sex Hormones): Both are under profound regulation by sleep. Poor sleep can lead to disruptions in these hormones, affecting overall health and menstrual cycles in women 4.

Understanding the interactions between these hormones and sleep can help in addressing sleep disturbances and improving overall sleep quality.