A new study has found that sleep deprivation reduced young men’s testosterone levels to those of men 10 to 15 years older. Symptoms of low testosterone can include erectile dysfunction, infertility and the development of breast tissue (gynecomastia).
Dr Alexis Missick, from online pharmaceutical company UK Meds, has explained why sleep is so important for men’s overall health and the impact of sleep deprivation on male testosterone levels. Dr Missick said: “Testosterone is critical for building strength, muscle mass and bone density. A 2011 study found that by skipping sleep, young men reduced their testosterone levels to those of men who are 10 to 15 years older.
“During the study, young men (average age 24) spent three nights in a laboratory sleeping up to ten hours, and then eight nights sleeping less than five hours. Blood was drawn every 15 to 30 minutes to check testosterone levels.
“The results showed that testosterone levels decreased by 10-15% after the sleep-deprived week compared to their rested states. This decrease in testosterone levels was also associated with a loss of vigor among the participants. These men reported on their mood and vigor level throughout the study. The result led to an overall decrease in well-being as testosterone levels dropped, and continued to decline until the end of the study.”
What are the symptoms of low testosterone?
As a man ages, he may begin to experience symptoms of low testosterone, these include:
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Erectile dysfunction
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Sterility
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Development of breast tissue (gynecomastia)
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Reduced hair growth
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Decreased muscle mass
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Loss of bone density (osteoporosis)
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Reduction of body hair and beard growth.
Certain healthy lifestyle changes can help you increase testosterone levels (low testosterone levels) naturally. These include:
Weight loss can also boost testosterone levels, especially in overweight people. Dr. Missick said it’s critical to get at least seven hours of sleep a night.
